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Curtis L. Bentleyof Midland, South Dakota, died on Monday, November 2, 2009
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Curtis Leroy Bentley was born February 22, 1919 on the family homestead north of Midland, the son of Thomas O. and Ida Marie (Sandal) Bentley. He was baptized and confirmed at the Deep Creek Lutheran Church.
He grew up and received his education at the Butte School in the Moenville area. After his schooling, he worked at the Spurling ranch as a ranchhand for several years.
At the age of 21, Curtis was one of the first Haakon County citizens to be drafted into WWII. While in the Army, Curt rebuilt engines of tanks and jeeps with Troop C, 125th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. He took part in the battles at Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was very dedicated to the service and a definite asset to the Army, receiving the Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, and three Overseas Service Bars.
After his discharge on October 31, 1945, Curt returned to the family farm, purchased a truck and hauled cattle in that area. During that time he was also very active in the farm and ranch operations. In 1952, his father Thomas died, at which time Curtis became a father figure to his younger sisters as well as the main overseer for the farm and ranch.
Curtis remained on the farm with his mother and sisters. In 1973 his mother died, and Curtis took over the responsibility of township clerk for that area. Curtis remained on the family homestead until 1998, when he moved into the Philip Nursing Home.
Curtis was an active member at Deep Creek Lutheran Church, for over 80 years, as well as a member of the American Legion Post #143 of Midland.
Curtis was very proud of his high quality Hereford cattle.
He was also a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews. “I didn’t have children but had many nieces and nephews”, Curt would tell people, treating his nieces and nephews as his own children.
Grateful for having shared his life include two sisters Dorothy Nelson of Fargo, North Dakota, and Susie (Nelsen) Bentley of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a sister-in-law Alice Bentley of Rapid City; two brother-in-laws Ron Arntson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Merlin Pugh of Yankton; twenty-five nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers Evan Bentley, Kenneth Bentley and his wife Mary Ann, Richard Bentley, and Orville Bentley and his wife Nolie; three sisters Gladys Pugh, Norma Arntson, and Alice Gambrel and her husband Don; one brother-in-law Douglas Nelson; and one niece Dianne Bentley.
Visitation was held 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Friday.
Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. CST Friday, November 6, at the Deep Creek Lutheran Church north of Midland, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating. Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #143 of Midland, will be at the Deep Creek Cemetery.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, November 6, 2009 - 11:00 a.m. CST
Deep Creek Lutheran Church
Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Carmen Alleman - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Just As I Am”
“Beautiful Savior”
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
“Amazing Grace”
USHERS
Morris Sandal - Don Sandal
PALLBEARERS
Vince Bruce - T.J. Gabriel
Clint Alleman - Lee Briggs
Wylie Schwalm - Adam Roseth
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
American Legion Post #143 of Midland
Deep Creek Lutheran Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota
Visitation: 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services: 11:00 a.m. CST Friday, November 6, at the Deep Creek Lutheran Church north of Midland.
Interment with military honors: Deep Creek Cemetery