Alice L. Bennett

Alice Lucille Bennett peacefully left this world and entered her heavenly home on January 7, 2026. Her passing was quiet and beautiful, surrounded by the love of her family.  

Alice Makela was born on February 1st, 1937 in Dairyland, Wisconsin, the only daughter of Samuel Fredrick “Fred”, and Cleo Loretta Makela. She was raised on her parent’s dairy farm, where she learned the value of hard work at a young age by milking cows, throwing hay, and even driving the tractor. These early years shaped a lifelong work ethic and servant’s heart.

Alice attended Webster High School and graduated at the age of 17. Soon after, she left the farm and moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she worked as a bookkeeper. While living in St. Paul, she faithfully attended Midway Tabernacle. It was there that she met a young man from California, Duane Bennett. The two were married on August 27, 1955. They were blessed with six children.

With their growing family, Alice and Duane moved from city life to Knoxville, Iowa. Alice’s deep desire to serve others found a home at the Apostolic Church in Knoxville, where she became actively involved in nearly every aspect of church life. She famously baked ten pies a week to support the church building fund.

Alice loved hosting gatherings and opened her home often, despite her busy schedule. No one was ever a stranger to her, and everyone was welcome at her table.She prepared hundreds of meals for pastors, missionaries, and guest speakers, always reaching out and welcoming others regardless of background or circumstance. Serving others was not just something Alice did, it was how she lived.

In 1986, Alice and her family moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin where she was employed at Grace Edgewood Assisted Living.  She attended Pentecostal Assembly Church where her ministry of hospitality continued.

Alice was deeply loved and cherished by her family and by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of faith, generosity, and unwavering kindness has impacted countless individuals. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Cleo Makela; her husband, Duane Bennett; and her son, Richard Bennett, who passed at the age of two. Alice is survived by her children: Paul (Julie) Bennett, Terry (Wendy) Bennett, Sheryl (Joe) Velie, Neal (Lana) Bennett, Diane (Curtis) Noland. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Tasha (Chris) Hite, Christopher (Riane) Bennett, Rachelle (Levi) Kruit, Dustin Bennett, Sherah (Beau) Hollis, Camilla (Adam) Stine, Donelle Bennett, Dallas (Tess) Bennett, Lindsey (Tommy) Andrews, Alisha (Brock) Schweisthal, Kyle (Angela) Noland, Kristen (Kyle) Meyer, Joshua Noland, and Sarah Dormer. She was blessed with 22 great-grandchildren.

Alice’s life was a testament to faith in action, love without limits, and service without recognition. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will take place at 12 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Hulke Family Funeral Home.  Visitation will take place at the funeral home on that day from 10:30 am until the time of service.  Private family burial will take place at a later date in the River Hill Cemetery in Dairyland, WI.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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