Mary Joanne Bennett, 77, of Benton, WI passed away on Friday, August 12, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, IA. Services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Haudenshield Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City, WI with Pastor Nelson Perkinson officiating. Friends may call on Monday, August 15 from 3pm to 8pm at the Haudenshield Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City, WI and on Tuesday from 9am till time of services at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Joanne was born on April 1, 1934 in New Diggings Township, WI at the family farm to William & Lucille (Bennett) Curwen. She was a graduate of the New Diggings High School and was the valedictorian of her class in 1952. She married Clarence Bennett on September 2, 1953. She was a member of the Shullsburg Eastern Star and served as a town clerk for 44 years in New Diggings, WI. Joanne enjoyed gardening, antiques and was a local history enthusiast. She was known for her great dinners. A good many hired men said it was worthwhile working on their farm for her cooking. Her kitchen was always open and welcoming. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Joanne is survived by her husband of 57 years Clarence, of Benton, WI; a son, Kevin (Janice) Bennett of Benton, WI; a daughter, Kim (Terry) Kieler of Cuba City, WI; 6 grandchildren; 4 sister-in-laws, Theda Curwen, Mabel Stark, Mildred Loomis and Carol Bennett; special friends, Ruth & Lewis Richardson; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, C.W. Curwen and a sister Glada Wurm, brother-in-laws & sister-in-laws: Jimmy & May Bennett, Gert & George Sheffer, Ed Stark, Norman & Opal Bennett, Daisy Carpenter, Betty Riley and Melvin Bennett. There is a light that leads. In lieu of flowers a Mary Joanne Bennett Memorial Fund has been established.