Former resident Lyle Bennett dies at 76

Lyle F. Bennett lost his battle with lung disease on June 19, 2024.

He was born April 3, 1948, to Farrell and Alda Bennett. Though he was born in Vancouver, Washington, "he was a lifelong Alaskan."

Lyle enjoyed many ventures during his lifetime, including drilling rock on Three Lakes Loop Road south of Petersburg, as owner/operator of Petersburg Art Gallery, as well as 30-plus years of owning and operating vending machines. He lived in Wrangell for a few years, about 35 years ago, working at the power plant and painting with other artists in town.

His main joys in life were family and friends. Lyle met Carol Mathews at Brownwood, Texas, while deployed with the U.S. Army. They were married on May 29, 1970, "and were married for more than 54 wonderful years."

He is survived by his wife Carol Bennett; sons Devren (Everette) and Trent (Vanessa); grandchildren Daten, Abi, Carmen, Mathew and Diesel; sister Lanore Rodenberg; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held June 28 in Petersburg.