BOYNE CITY, MICH. — Jere Dwain Bennett, 70, of Boyne City, died Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at his daughter’s home in Gaylord, Mich. surrounded by family.

He was born March 23, 1940 in Alhambra, Calif. Jere served in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years and then joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where he retired from active duty after 17 years. He dedicated his life to the welfare of veterans — counseling veterans as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker was very important to him.

He was very involved in the Alpine Village Baptist Church in Gaylord, and also loved to ride his motorcycle.

On Feb. 7, 1969, he married Patricia Harmon in Portland. Patricia was born and raised in Bridgton.

He is survived by his wife; his children, Donna Leavesley, Cheryl Brown, Edwin Hubbard, Betty Bryant, Lori Swartwood, Rhonda Boyle, Jaycee Bennett, and DeeDee Elliott; 25 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; brother and sisters, JoAnn Haynes, Joyce Bennett, Edith Troutman and Steven Bennett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at Alpine Village Baptist Church, 158 North Townline Road, Gaylord with Pastor David R. Burney officiating.

Contributions may be made to the Alpine Village Baptist Church or the Gaylord Veterans Clinic through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

Friends may offer their condolences online at www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com