Bennett "Pete" Pilgrim

Born in Mineral Wells, TX
Born on Sep 15, 1928
Departed on Aug 9, 2017

Memorial

Bennett “Pete” Pilgrim, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, August 09, 2017 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday August 12, 2017 from 4-7 pm at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. 

Pete was born September 15, 1928, the son of Amos and Lena (Bennett) Pilgrim, in Mineral Wells, Texas. He was married to Loretta Shamus on November 7, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. Pete enlisted with the United States Navy in 1945, serving during WWII, and retiring in 1967. He was stationed on six different ships. Pete was in charge of organizing the reunions for the U.S.S. Abnaki 96, the first ship he was on, annually. After retirement, he worked for Kirkwood Community College for over thirty years as an instructor and later as Director of Plant Services. Pete was a member of the American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association and the Refrigeration Services Engineers Society (RSES). He greatly enjoyed gardening and golfing. More than anything, Pete loved spending time with his family and shipmates. 

Survivors include his wife, Loretta Pilgrim; son, Craig (Jennifer) Pilgrim; daughter, Rachel (Paul) Boyd; five grandchildren, Drew, Josh and Jake Boyd, Luke and Adam Pilgrim; and brother, Werner Pilgrim. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. 

Memorials may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in memory of Pete.