Michael Bennett

Michael Stephen Bennett died November 13, 2016 at St. Mary's, Davenport, Iowa.  He was 74.

He was born January 15, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Marvin and Sylvia (Michel) Bennett.  Michael was born and raised in Reform Judaism, graduated from Evanston High School, received a Bachelors Degree from University of Virginia (UVA) where he was captain of their only 5-time undefeated GE College Bowl team.  He earned a Masters and PhD in English from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa.  He practiced law in the Iowa Quad Cities in the '70s and '80s before moving to Atlanta, Georgia and West Palm Beach, Florida where he was a Legal Studies and English Professor at various colleges and universities.

In 2010 he reconnected with the love of his life, Valerie Brekke and moved back to the Quad-Cities to become her partner-in-crime and half of "Davenport's Fun Couple,"  He also became "Grandpa Extraordinaire" to his grandchildren Aiden, Liam, and Mikaela Brekke and their siblings Kaylie, Gabby, Ava, and Tyler.  He adored them beyond all reason!

He was well-known for his kindness and generosity, often picking up dinner tabs and going the extra mile with family, friends, clients and students.  He was a lifelong Democrat and was active in the Civil Rights movement.  He loved University of Michigan football and was devoted to his Chicago Cubs.  His grandfather took him to his first Cubs game when he was three years old, and he was able to realize his dream of seeing the Cubs win the World Series before he died.

He is survived by his grandchildren, his love Valerie and his sister Beth Plocar, who moved to Davenport to be closer to her brother.  He is also survived by many friends and family, as well as students who loved him. Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and his daughter, Jennifer.

Per his wishes, he was cremated.  A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 3-5 P.M. at Ross's Restaurant, Bettendorf, Iowa.  Please come and share your memories of this one-of-a-kind man who positively impacted the lives of so many.