RAPID CITY - Harold E. Bentz, 73, Rapid City, died Friday, April 4, 2008 in his home. He was born April 15, 1934, in Bonesteel, SD, to Rudolph and Barbara Bentz. He was raised in Winner, SD, and graduated from Winner HS. He served in the United States Army at Fort Bliss Texas with the US Army Signal Corp. He married Mardeena Wood in 1962, Winner, SD. He was hired as a temporary employee by Northwestern Bell where he remained an employee until 1990, after 37 years of service. Following early retirement, he enjoyed working as a golf demonstration technician for Taylor Made and Calloway Golf Companies. He also worked part time in the Elks Golf Pro Shop, where he was a life time member. He was a member of First United Methodist Church,, Rapid City Elks Lodge 1187, Naja Shrine, Battle River Lodge 92, Tin City Lodge, Golden Link Chapter 14 Eastern Star. He enjoyed hunting and golf. His passions in life were his Grandson Colin, golfing, and the Masonic Order. Survivors include his wife, Mardeena Bentz, Rapid City; daughter Johnell Bentz, Champaign, Illinois, and daughter Marde Mott (Major Robert Mott), Bamberg, Germany, and one grandson, Colin Mott, Bamberg, Germany; One brother, Robert Bentz, Belle Fourche, SD, one sister, Esther Grygo, Tuscon, AZ, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Bill Bentz, two sisters Ardith Bentz and Lillian Bentz, a nephew Bobby Bentz. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, April 8, at First United Methodist Church, Rapid City, with Rev. Doug Diehl officiating. The family requests no flowers. A memorial has been established to Naja Shrine Hospital Travel Fund and First United Methodist Church. Friends may sign Harold's online guest book at www.kirkfuneralhome.com Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City.
Published in Rapid City Journal on Apr. 6, 2008