Michael Curtis Bennett

Michael Curtis Bennett, 77, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2022, in

Palmer, Alaska. Mike was born on December 16, 1945, in Louisville, Kentucky,

where he developed a strong passion for music. He was a talented musician and

made a living doing what he loved. He equally loved spending time exploring the

outdoors. In 1978, he packed up his van and his German shepherd and headed to

Alaska with a few of his best friends. There he built a home off-grid and raised his

two young children, Caleb, and Riley. He was a hardworking single parent who

instilled in them a strong sense of determination and a love for adventure. Their

family memories are full of countless days spent romping around the Alaska

wilderness on four wheelers, snowmachines and boats. Their best meals were

enjoyed together around a campfire laughing and sharing stories.

When Mike’s children grew older, he was blessed with a son-in-law; Max, who he

loved like his own. He enjoyed listening to music and jamming with him every

chance he got. He was blessed with grandchildren who adored him and called him

Papa. He loved them with all his heart and soon his life revolved each visit with

them. He was honored to help care for them and continued to share his love for

adventure with them. His most recent adventures with his grandchildren were

spent exploring Prince Willian Sound on the “Papa boat”, fishing and enjoying

beach campfires together.

Mike was an honorable man who walked with the Lord. He had a beautiful heart

and gave everything he had to anyone in need. He did everything with honesty

and integrity. His legacy will live on, reminding us that we can choose to live a life

of meaningful acts of love and service like he modeled for us.

Mike was preceded in death by his son Caleb Bennett. He is survived by his

daughter Riley Bennett-Vockner, his son in law Max Vockner, his grandchildren

Zev Bennett, Wolfgang and Una Vockner, and his beloved dogs Annie and

Samson.

A service will be held at Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary, 209 S. Alaska St. Palmer, AK on

January 22, 2023 at 3:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome to come and share

memories of Mike. Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Kehl’s.