Harold Frederick Bentley

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the age of 92 years. The son of the late Harry Frederick and Mary Lou (Nunneley) Bentley was born on June 28, 1926 in Mt. Clemens, MI. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 387th Infantry and was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received in Okinawa, Japan in 1945. Harold then graduated from Michigan State University in 1949 and was a proud Spartan for life. He married Helen Smith; whom he met at the age of 13 while taking guitar lessons; on June 18, 1949. Dad briefly taught agriculture at Mayville High School before going to work for Severance Tool, where he retired as Vice President of Finance after 40 years of service. Dad was a longtime active member of Sheridan Avenue United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school there. He also enjoyed gardening, genealogy, watching MSU sports, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, and crossword puzzles. Dad especially enjoyed taking his family on spontaneous road trips and inspired his children to travel and see the country. Surviving besides his wife of 69 years, Helen, are their five children: Kathryn (David) Louks, Dr. Wayne Bentley, PhD., Rev. Evans (Betsy) Bentley, Larry (Janet) Bentley, and Mary Helen (Mark) Breuer. After raising five children, he became a devoted grandfather to 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Dad is also survived by many extended family and friends. Besides his parents, Harold was predeceased by his brother Richard Bentley. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Swan Valley United Methodist Church, 9265 Geddes Rd. with his son, Rev. Evans Bentley officiating. Private burial at Elkland Township Cemetery will take place at a later date. Friends may visit on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to MSU University Development for their scholarship program.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603