Community Corner

Melvin "Mel" Bennett, 77

Melvin "Mel" Bennett, age 77 of Rice, MN, passed away Monday, March 26, 2012 in Chandler, AZ.

He was a volunteer member of the Apple Valley Fire Department from 1969 to 1979.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter Monica (Mike) Specht of Savage, MN; grandsons Nicolas (Jennifer) Specht of Mankato, MN and Brad Specht of Savage, MN; four sisters, Delores Hirsch of Winsted, MN; Nancy Stromback of Park Rapids, MN; Jackie (Merrill) Stromback of Brainerd, MN; and Evelyn Geist of Galvin, WA; a sister-in-law, Betty Bennett of Zumbrota, MN; and two brothers, David (Colleen) Thoreson of Serona, WI and Vince (Marilyn) Thoreson of Blooming Prairie, MN.

He was preceded in death by his son, parents, step-father and seven siblings.

Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.