Dr. B.R. Bennot

Dr. B.R. Bennot, 76, of Wautoma, passed away Friday, April 12, at UW Madison Hospital following a short illness. Dick was born on April 4, 1937, to Budrow and Norma (Grueter) Bennot in Harvey, Illinois. He was the only son amidst four sisters. He graduated from Thornton High School in 1955. As an avid sportsman, Dick was a stellar athlete who excelled in everything he attempted. In high school, he had the distinguished privilege of being named First Team All State in Football in Illinois in 1954; Athlete of the Year in his South Suburban Conference in 1955; A Football Scholarship Recipient to the University of Illinois; and he was inducted into the Thornton Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. Dick also had the pleasure of coaching "Coach K," or Mike Krzyzewski, in Basketball. Dick's competitiveness and dedication as an athlete filtered into his role as husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. In 1962, he graduated from George Williams College with a degree in physical education. He then obtained his Doctorate in Podiatry in 1966 from the Illinois College of Podiatry. Dick took over the practice of Dr. Frank Collins in Fond du Lac in 1966, and maintained his practice on Main Street in Fond du Lac for the next 30 years. His generosity with patients extended beyond his role as doctor; he never hesitated to make house calls or provide for those who could not afford services otherwise.
Dick met and married the love of his life, Kathy (Schmidt), in 1981. Together, they created what is now Marlinks Golf Farm in Wautoma, and have operated it since 1996. He thoroughly enjoyed supporting, mentoring, and watching his children and grandchildren participate in all of their sporting endeavors. It is his commitment and support that will be truly missed, in addition to the most infectious laugh and sense of humor one could imagine. Dick leaves behind a legacy of heart-warming and compassionate individuals who are inspired by his passion for life and drive for success. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Wautoma; his son Richard Bennot of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter Terri (Tim) Wilkens of Mayville; son, Bill (Connie) Bennot of Capetown, South Africa; Maria (Joe) Janowicz of DePere; Julie (Mike) Nett of Fond du Lac; and Robert (Michelle) Bennot of Coloma. He is further survived by two sisters, Marlene Wojciehowski of Florida, and Janice Bennot of Fond du Lac. In addition, Dick is survived by 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and countless family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Nona and Patti. Dick's presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him. As his youngest son says, Dick was truly "larger than life." Private family services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to W9998 County C, Wautoma, WI 54982.


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