Matthew Norman Bennett

Matthew Norman Bennett, beloved husband, father, son, and brother passed away peacefully at home in Geneva, Illinois on February 10, 2026, at the age of 66. Matthew fought a two-year battle with GBM/Glioblastoma brain cancer. Throughout his illness, Matt faced every challenge with grace, courage and an unwavering spirit, inspiring all who knew him.

Matt's greatest joy and pride in life was the endless love and dedication he had for his wife, Michele, and their three children, Olivia (John) Teeuws, Michael (Amanda) Bennett and Sarah Bennett. He was a loving father and husband and devoted "Papa" to his grandson, Graham.

Matt was born in Buffalo, New York, in October 1959, to his loving parents, Donovan "Bud" Bennett and Jean Bennett. He spent his early life moving to multiple locations as the child of a Navy officer. The family lived in Japan, Alaska, Virginia and eventually settled in the Seattle, Washington suburbs, which he always considered as home.

Matt attended Inglemoor High School in Bothell, Washington, and graduated Class of 1977. While working on his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, Matt worked for Safeway grocery stores. He would continue in the grocery industry for the next 47 years. In 1984, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to become a buyer in the warehouse club business and there he met his "bride" Michele, and they were married in 1988. They welcomed their first daughter Olivia, and a year later, their son Michael. Matt continued his education and received an MBA from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1991. While still in Utah, their youngest daughter, Sarah, was born. Four years later, they moved to Texas where they lived and raised their family for the next 15 years.

In 2014, the family moved to the Chicago suburbs where Matt took a Vice President position with KeHE Distributors. He held many positions in his 20-year career with KeHE, but his most rewarding was that of Vice President of Enterprise Data and Analytics. Matt's impact on the company was profound, marked by a resolute commitment to integrity and innovation. He truly loved his team and the many leading-edge projects they developed together. Matt will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, creativity, and leadership.

Matt was a deeply devoted husband and father; someone you could always count on to be there when it mattered most. He proudly supported his eldest daughter Olivia in her art gallery business, even creating her website when she was a teenager. He never missed a Saturday bowling league with Michael and Sarah or a Friday night high school football game. Matt was Michele's biggest supporter in her furniture resale business and was always happy to help with furniture pickups on the weekends. He cherished family vacations and especially treasured his annual trips to Disney World with Sarah. Matt and Michael shared many hours together on the golf course. His grandson, Graham, brought him a renewed sense of pride and joy. Matt was an avid reader and lifelong learner who loved golf, fitness, and, above all, time with his family. His love for his family and friends ran deep and will be remembered always.

Matt's Christian faith was the cornerstone of his existence. It not only shaped his worldview, but also instilled within him the values of love, compassion, and charity. It was from this wellspring of spirituality that he drew his strength and to which he devoted his heart and soul.

In addition to his wife and children, Matt is survived by his mother, Jean Bennett, sister and brother-in-law, Vivian Bennett (Tommy Fong) and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Donovan Bennett and grandparents; Norman and Matilda and Matt A. and Gladys.

A visitation will be held at 9:30 am with a memorial service following at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 14, 2025, at Christ Community Church, 820 S Randall Rd, South Elgin, IL 60177 (corner of Randall Road and Bolcum Road).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those who desire to remember Matthew to please make a contribution in his memory to either the American Brain Tumor Association online at ( https://give.abta.org/give/261975/#!/donation/checkout ) or to Samaritan's Purse,( www.samaritanspurse.org.)Feel free to leave a memory or story about Matt on the tribute wall.