Bennett Russell Blackdeer

Bennett Blackdeer, age 64, of Neillsville, WI passed away Saturday, June 30, 2012 at his home.Bennett Russell Blackdeer was born on November 7, 1947 in Black River Falls, WI the son of Wilbur and Emily (Waukon) Blackdeer. He was united in marriage to Lani Kasames and worked as a linesman for GTE.He enjoyed fishing, watching wrestling, taking car rides, playing with his grandchildren and telling stories. He also enjoyed horseshoes, shooting pool, dog sledding and being an assistant coach/mentor for Runners Against Drunk Driving (R.A.D.D.) He is survived by his wife, Lani, a son, James (Charlee Winneshiek) Blackdeer of Black River Falls, WI, three daughters, Sheena (Kevin) Schoen of Neillsville, WI, Nellie (Ryen Knuth) Blackdeer of Neillsville, WI and Nicole Butch of Williamsburg, VA, grandchildren, Sam, Sydney, Julius, Elijah, Payton, Makayla, Anthony, Colleen, Charlie, Raina and Henry. Bennett is also survived by his siblings, Gladys Cloud of Lyndon Station, WI, Ida (Wallace) Carrier of Black River Falls, WI, Myra Jo (Darren) Price of Tomah, WI and Royce (Melva) Blackdeer of Anadarko, OK.He was preceded in death by a daughter, Louella Blackdeer, his parents and siblings, Marcella Cloud, Forest Blackdeer and Arleigh Blackdeer.Ho-Chunk traditional services for Bennett will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at the Blackdeer Homestead in Black River Falls, WI. Richard Mann officiating. Interment will be in the Blackdeer Homestead. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday at the Gesche Funeral Home and from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Blackdeer Homestead.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456