Funeral Service for Gerda Bennett June 18 - 11 a.m.

​Gerda Bennett Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Kostanski Funeral Home - Greenfield on Jun. 12, 2026.

Gerda Anneliese (Kleppich) Bennett passed away Wednesday 6/10/26 at home. In her own words, she felt very lucky to have had a good life and counted her blessings.

Gerda was born September 9, 1935, in Turn-Teplitz, Sudetenland- now the Czech Republic. She was the daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm Kleppich and Elsbeth (Siegel) Kleppich.

The ravishes of war left the family homeless. After living in shelters in Russian occupied East Germany, they settled in Wildflecken/Rhoen, northern Bavaria. Gerda received her education at the Institute der Franziskanerinnen in Lohr/Main, a convent boarding school. After graduation, she worked as a Nanny in Wales at the American Army Post in Wildflecken Germany.

On May 1, 1955, Gerda married Floyd (Bud) H. Bennett, Jr., who served in the Army and was stationed in Germany at that time. After Bud's honorable discharge from the service, they settled in Greenfield and started raising their family.

When the children were all of school age, Gerda went to work in the family business, Bud's Market. The business was sold after 24 years and Gerda accepted a position at Greenfield Savings Bank, which she held for thirty years.

Gerda and her children were very close and lovingly cared for each other. She enjoyed working outdoors around the house and cottage and New Hampshire. She also gave back to the community for which she was grateful and felt secure. Over the years she was involved with the Girl Scouts and served on the Allocation Committee for the United Way, represented St. James' at the Interfaith Council for many years where she served as Treasurer. Her true commitment was to St. James Church. She considered this her other family. Here she served on several committees and projects. She was a member of the Vestry, past Treasurer, Junior Warden and Senior Warden.

Gerda was predeceased by a son, Floyd H. Bennett III, who passed away at age 5; her husband, Floyd H. Bennett, Jr. in 1989; also, a dear friend of many years, Dr. Harlan Lathem.

Gerda is survived by her three children, Bonnie Bennett (David Aron), Roger Bennett and Elsbeth Bennett; three grandchildren, Tomas, Jeniffer and Andrew; and two great grandchildren, Anne and Jamison.
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A Memorial service will be held Thursday 6/18 at 11am at The Church of St. James and Andrew, 8 Church Street, Greenfield. The service will be held in the Chapel. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
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Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

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