Rev. Bennett M. McNeal
Rev. Bennett M. McNeal, 69, of Sandwich, formerly of LaGrange. Beloved husband of Andrea. Loving father of Heather (Walter) Schmidt, Andrew and Jonathan (Regina). Devoted grandfather of Walter, Anna and Aaron Schmidt, Clarissa and Emilia McNeal. Dear brother of the late Betsy. Fond uncle of many. Visitation 3 to 9pm Thursday at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Memorial Service 1pm Saturday, Oct. 10th at Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 E. Shannon St., Elburn, IL 60119. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Defiance College, Defiance, OH appreciated. A minister for the past 14 years, Ben served Community Church for the past 3 years. He was a member of LaGrange Rotary Club. He received his undergraduate degree from Defiance College, and his Master’s Degree in adult education from National Louis University. Ben received his Master of Divinity degree from Chgo. Theological Seminary. Funeral info. 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com
Our sincere condolences to Ben’s family. His parent’s house and my parent’s house were just a block away and both families attended the Trotwood United Church of Christ. He was in my wife’s high school class. We saw him and talked with him at their last reunion. I totally admired how he handled difficulties in his parent’s family – especially his father passing away when Ben was very young. One could not have known a better person than Ben or his parent’s family!
Ben was one of my dearest friends in high school. He had a difficult life with a single mom raising him and his sister alone but he never complained, worked extremely hard, was a friend to all and a joy to be near. This world is a sadder place without him but heaven is a little bit better due to his presence.