Bertus Antonius Bennink "Bert" 1924-2016
Bert was born December 20, 1924 in Enschede, Holland. He was the middle child in a family of 6 boys. He grew up in Hengelo and was in Holland during the German occupation. As a teenager, he was part of the "underground" army that assisted in arming the resistance to the Hitler regime.
After the war, Dad became a highway patrolman, then a police office in Zwolle and married Jocoba "Coby" Cornelia Lymbach. They immigrated to the United States in October of 1956 with their 2-year old son, Hendrikus "Tony" Antonius. Together they made a life here and had three more children, Josephus "Sjef" Luis, Cathryn Maria, and Paulina Maria. We, his children, remember him as a strong yet loving father who never failed to be there for all of our accomplishments. We all can recall being "talked to" and punished but how easily he would forgive, forget and move on.
Dad loved sports but most importantly soccer. He and Harold S Young are considered the founding fathers of the Junior Soccer League here in Fresno. He began by coaching his sons in grade school. When he began coaching it was necessary to go to Herb Bauer sporting goods to ask that they carry soccer cleats. The first season his team played in tennis shoes. Through the years many young men have come up to him and said; "Mr. Bennink, do you remember me, you were my soccer coach!" His players learned respect with him, he would tell his team, "you can call me Mr. Bennink or Coach but not Bert. I am your coach, not your friend." His last coaching position was at Edison High School and we remember him telling us that they warned him about how difficult this job would be. However, at the end of the season he said that he couldn't understand the concern that had been expressed. He said that his team was a great bunch of young men that gave him the respect that he requested and that he had enjoyed the time spent coaching them.
"Only the best" was something we heard regularly as children. Dad found beauty and pleasure in the simplest things like sitting on the patio, barbequing, going up to the mountains to look at "God's handiwork", or simply spending an afternoon at the lake, he would have a look of contentment and say "only the best". Daddy always made us laugh. He loved a good joke as well as having a very quick wit that allowed us all to laugh. Dad always preceded his jokes by saying "Now, this is a true story…", although we all knew better because of that tell-tale look on his face that told us otherwise. He didn't waste any energy on staying angry or holding grudges, he found no purpose in holding onto anything that would keep him from happiness. Jacoba Cornelia Bennink preceded him in death in 1982 after 29 years of marriage.
Fortunately, he found love again with his current wife Wilhelmina "Willie" Christina, of 28 years, with whom he enjoyed the second half of his life. Dad would always tell us "Many don't find love once in their life but I have been fortunate to find love twice". Bert and Willie were married in February of 1988. Along with his new wife he also embraced her children and grandchildren. Willie's children say that he became their father. They felt love from him that was true fatherly love, not a love of obligation because of his marriage to their mother.
Bert and Willie enjoyed many travels together which was definitely one of dad's favorite ways to pass the time. No matter where you were going, dad would be able to tell you several "interesting" things that he had seen in that part of the country, many times taking the 'Road Less Traveled'. Dad had many friends and loved to play cards, especially poker. Many times during the week he would tell Willie, "I'm going to the Moose to play poker with the boys".
He will be missed by many and remembered for his ability to bring a smile to everyone's face, his love of life was infectious. He has left quite the legacy to live up to, we love you Dad.
He was preceded in death by daughter: Isabella Bennink, wife: Jacoba Cornelia Lymbach Bennink, brothers: Antonius Wilhelmes Bennink, Hendrikus, Johannes Bennink, Cornelis Johannes Bennink, Johannes Antonius Bennink, grandchildren: Jessica Bennink and Garrett Dudek.
Survived by wife: Wilhelmina Vink-Bennink, brother: Lucas Hendrikus Bennink, children: Hendrikus Bennink and wife Lynn Bennink, Josephus Bennink and wife Carol Bennink, Cathryn Herrin and husband James Herrin Sr, and Paulina Bennink. Wilhelmina's children: Michael Vink and wife Mary Vink, Christina Juarez and husband Jason Juarez, Wilhelmina Vink, Julia King and husband Darnell, along with 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
September 19, 2017
Bob Corrado
I would like to offer condolences for you family's loss. While it has been decades since I was coached by Mr. Bennink, I still have fond memories of learning to pay soccer with his guidance. I recently was going through old photos, and thought this one would be appropriate.
July 24, 2017
Ton Bennink
Sorry I couln't attend the funeral. Beautifull necrology. Bye 'ome Bertus'
Ton Bennink, sun of Henk
December 2, 2016
Dolly Sylvester
What a treasure he was! He certainly had an impact on many people. Condolences to your family.
November 30, 2016
Shannon Holmes
I'm very sorry for your loss. May you find peace in God's love~
November 28, 2016
Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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