Albert William Bennewitz

Albert William Bennewitz, 83 of Alexandria, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. A public visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Burial will take place at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota the following day.

Albert Bennewitz was born on October 12, 1942 to Albert and Josephine (Thommes) Bennewitz in Wenatchee, Washington. The second eldest of four children, Albert and his family relocated to St. Cloud, Minnesota where he attended school, graduating with the class of 1960. While in school, Albert participated in basketball, but his true lifelong passions would be in cars, motorcycles, and aviation.

After graduation, Albert joined the Marine Corps, He served many roles during his 22 years in the military, including drill instructor – which is a surprise to most who knew him in the civilian world, as he was always known for his kind, calm demeanor. While on active duty, Albert served in the Vietnam War. He also spent time in Japan, California, and Wisconsin before settling back in Minnesota.

Early into his military career Albert met Judith Kalenda at a dance in Pierz, Minnesota. While many girls were taken with Albert in his Military Blues, he and Judy quickly became a couple and were married on July 20, 1964 at St. Richards Catholic Church in Richfield, Minnesota. In their more than 60 years together, they would welcome two sons, and have countless adventures – from owning the café in Villard, going on RV trips, and wintering in the southern part of the United States for many years.

After Albert’s time in the service, he and Judy bought into Alexandria Aviation, where Albert served as the airport manager for the city of Alexandria for 32 years. While there, Albert was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and flew for several local companies as well as charter plane for many groups of people – he especially loved the trips taking folks to Canada for fishing. And while Albert had to stop flying nearly a decade ago as his Parkinson’s Disease progressed, he never quite retired. He still frequently enjoyed going to the airport to bum around, have coffee, and visit.

Active until the very last day, Albert passed away at his home. His family is grateful that he was able to spend this Christmas surrounded by those he loved the most. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Judy Bennewitz; sons: Gary (Lisa) Bennewitz and Steven Bennewitz (Pamela Muldoon); grandchildren: Tiffany Bennewitz, Travis Bennewitz, Andrew (Amanda) Bennewitz,

Nicholas (Alex) Rehovsky-Bennewitz, and Sean Muldoon; great-grandchildren: Allyson, Adrianna, Dominnick, Donnavin, Brantlie, and Laidan; sisters: Donna (Robert) Bilanger and Kathy (Gordon) Serbus; brothers and sisters-in-law: Marcella, Bill, Mary Anne, Ernie, Teresa, and Kathy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Josephine Bennewitz; beloved stepfather, Stanley Roback; sister, Bonnie Blair; and brothers-in-law: Richard, Ed, Jerry, and Kenny. 

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS THE BENNEWITZ FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE LOVED ONES TO DONATE TO HELP FURTHER REASEARCH AND SUPPORT FAMILIES AFFECTED BY PARKINSON'S DISEASE.

Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Al.