Wednesday, December 2, 2015 1:09 pm
Larry G. Bentley, 71, passed away peacefully Nov. 21, 2015, at the VA Medical Center in La Jolla, Calif. Services were at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 28, at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Kurt M. Bockoven officiating. Accompanist was Kathryn Thompson. Hymns were “How Great Thou Art,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “Marine Hymn.” Burial was at Big Canoe Cemetery. Military rites were presented by the United States Marines Iowa Patriot Guard Dyrdal – Prolow Legion Post 249, Spring Grove, Minn. Casket bearers were Richard Bentley, Roger Bentley, David Engan, Dick Lundquist, Steve Orr and Gregg Shattuck. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.
Larry Gaylord Bentley was born Nov. 1, 1944, in Spring Grove, Minn., to Lester and Genevieve (Sylling) Bentley. He was baptized and confirmed at Big Canoe Lutheran Church, near Decorah. Larry grew up on a farm and attended country school in Highlandville. He attended Spring Grove High School. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and served during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he married Barbara (Onsgard) Bentley; to this union two children were born, Christine and Michael. In 1992, he married Susan (Harada) Bentley; to this union one son was born, Jordan Bentley. Larry had a jovial approach to life and truly enjoyed creating an atmosphere of fun and laughter for others. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings Football fan, a life member of the American Legion in Spring Grove, Minn. and at the time of his passing was a member of the United Methodist Church. He had a respected career as a realtor and business owner of the Bentley Trucking company. He pursued his passion for flying by obtaining his private pilot’s certification, enjoyed camping, boating, and traveling (especially to Hawaii). Most of all, he treasured the time spent in the company of his family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Bentley, Oceanside, Calif.; his mother, Genevieve Bentley, Decorah; three children: Christine (David) Schlitt, Altamonte Springs, Fla., Michael Bentley of West Des Moines and Jordan Bentley, Oceanside, Calif.; three grandchildren: Jake Bentley, Logan Schlitt and Katie Schlitt; two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren; sister Lois (Gregg) Shattuck, New Hampton; two brothers, Roger (Linda) Bentley, Roseville, Minn. and Richard (Donna) Bentley, Maple Grove, Minn.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Carolyn Harada, Fredericksburg; brother-in-law, John (Jodi) Harada, Des Moines; along with many nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded by his father, Lester Bentley and a brother in infancy.
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