Joseph Bennin

Joseph “Joe” Bennin, 76, of Fort Atkinson, passed away unexpectedly on August 21, 2025, with his best friend, Jerry Witkins close at hand. Born Joseph Lester Bennin on November 28, 1948, in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of Elmer and Mildred (Moldenhauer) Bennin.

The family later moved to a farm in Wisconsin. Joe’s high school days began at Holy Name Seminary in Madison, from where he graduated in May 1966.

Underneath Joe’s quiet, shy demeanor was a man with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He took pleasure in asking riddles and telling jokes. The ongoing banter between Joe and Jerry (his guardian) was the heart of their friendship. Their mutual teasing sometimes led to good-natured insults, but it was all done in fun.

Joe looked forward to riding along with Jerry to run errands, go to medical appointments, go shopping during the week, and to attend church on Sundays. Throughout the last ten years, Joe was included in Witkins family gatherings and learned to survive the commotion of a larger family and their pet dogs.

One of Joe’s favorite things was eating sardines right out of the can. He enjoyed playing bingo, doing word search puzzles and going out to eat at restaurants. Long-time acquaintances will attest to Joe’s habit of phoning them often to check in. Sometimes that meant more than once a day.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Mary Bennin (2021). He is survived by his cousins, Jack (Kathy) Barzee of Burnsville, MN and Carol (Ben) Lach of Framingham, MA; their families and many dear friends.

We wish to thank these special caretakers who looked after Joe so kindly over the years: Kimber Carlson Smith, Darlene Carlson, Karen Watkins, and Thomas Wilkenson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the memorial home until time of service. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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