Dion “Don” Bennett

Dion “Don” Bennett Jan. 12, 1938 – Oct. 5, 2026

Dion Cecil Bennett, 88 of Omaha, NE passed away on October 5, 2026. He was born on January 12, 1938 in Stromsburg, NE to Cecil and Doris (Malmen) Bennett.

He was raised in Stromsburg with his siblings Duane, Jane and Joe.

He was a standout athlete at Stromsburg High School, playing both football and basketball. During his senior year, he was named the Omaha World Herald Player of the Week after scoring 31 points in a game at a time when there were no 3-pointers. He was very proud of that accomplishment.

While in high school, he worked delivering groceries in Stromsburg and for the local barber, sweeping floors and cleaning spittoons. He recalled getting paid in pocket change and Juicy Fruit gum.

Though he briefly considered a life in farming, God had other plans. He graduated from Stromsburg High School with the Class of 1956. He left the day after graduation to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University for two years before going to work for Larry and Joe Price at King’s Food Host in Lincoln in 1958.

Dion met the love of his life, Janet Kay Philippi when she came to work at King’s Food Host after high school. Dion was a manager there, and when he asked how she was doing, the woman training Janet told him, “I don’t think she’s gonna make it.” But he made sure that she did. He and Janet were married on January 9, 1960.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Janet in 2023. He is survived by his son Kevin and his wife Keri of Kearney, son Todd of Omaha, granddaughter Cristen Bennett and friend Tiffany Davis of Lincoln, brother Joe and his wife Yvonne of Shelby, sister Jane and her husband Lionel Swanson of Mesa, AZ, sister-in-law Beverly Bateman of Lincoln, and many other relatives and friends.

CELEBRATION OF DION’S LIFE: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11:00 am. Family will receive friends at 10:00 am, at FaithWestwood United Methodist Church, 4814 Oaks Lane, Omaha, NE. A reception will follow immediately after the service at the church. The family asks those who attend Dion’s Celebration of Life service to please dress casually.

For more details, visit www. bramanmortuary.com Braman Mortuary and Cremation Services of Omaha is in charge of arrangements.