Blaine Welden Bennett
October 26, 1947 — July 22, 2026
Blaine Bennett
Des Moines, IA
Blaine Welden Bennett, 78, of Ames and Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on July 22, 2026, at his home in Des Moines. He was born and raised in Iowa and carried that Midwestern steadiness with him throughout his life.
Blaine was a kind, dedicated, loyal, and gentle man who touched the lives of those around him in quiet, introspective, but lasting ways. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Enterprise, an experience that remained an important part of his life.
After his military service, he worked for Greyhound and later spent many years doing maintenance for the City of Ames Police Department.
He was a devoted sports fan, especially of the Iowa State Cyclones and women’s basketball, as well as the Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed art and had a special appreciation for Lalique crystal. Blaine was a longtime member of the Masons and the Order of Amaranth, organizations that were meaningful to him over the years.
He is survived by his wife, Janet, of nearly 40 years, his daughter, Michelle, and his stepson, Jason. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Loras Jaeger
07/27/2026
Blaine was one of the great ones I had the pleasure of knowing in my years at the Ames Police Department. I would see him frequently over the noon time and Jan and I would talk ISU Women’s Basketball and how they were doing at that week. He was also a wise and kind man who could talk about a variety of issues. Rest in peace Blaine.
Jan and Bill Schmitt
07/27/2026
Jan and family, Blaine was a great guy and would never hesitate to help you. He made my job easier and he made everything run smooth at the PD with taking care of so many details for us. I will miss all our sports talks but feel blessed for having known him. Our sympathies and thoughts are with you.
Kelly Bast
07/26/2026
Blaine and I were neighbors who frequently partied together with our families. One month apart from each other we both separated from our wives. We then be came roommates from about a year and a half. Seeing his excitement after meeting Janet was priceless. I truly miss his spirit. He was a great person, great roommate, and a great pool player.
Cheryl Spencer
07/24/2026
Blaine was an amazingly special man with a great smile and always a story to tell. I worked with him at the Ames Police Department for many years and he has always held a special place in my heart. He was a hard r and took great pride in his job and the relationships he made with his coworkers. He will be missed by many. Blesssings to his family.