Donald Bentz

Funeral services for Donald Bentz were held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fairfax City Hall in Fairfax, SD, with Emmett Kotrba officiating.

Music was provided by the congregation, accompanied by Cheryl Jons, organist. Cristel Hoffman was in charge of registration.

Casket bearers were Donald Bentz, Randy Bentz, Wade Bentz, Dean Bentz, Willie Bentz, Jacob Bentz, Travis Fischer, and Bryce Fischer. Interment was in the Highland Cemetery in Fairfax, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Donald Dean Bentz, son of Fred Jr. and Lydia Bentz (Wiedrick), was born January 10, 1929, spent his childhood living in rural Fairfax, and graduated from Fairfax High School in May of 1947.

Donald enlisted in the army and served in Korea from 1950-195,2 after serving, he worked on the Pickstown dam.

Don married Betty (Stoltenberg) on August 11, 1953, and to this union five children were born.

While raising his family in rural Fairfax, Don farmed, milked cows, raised pigs, went farm to farm grinding ear corn, milo, and oats, all while being employed at the Fairfax Elevator where he delivered fertilizer and loaded and unloaded grain. Don worked at the elevator for 30 years. After his employment at the elevator, he and Betty worked at the Bonesteel Oil Company. Don wouldn’t stop working even after he retired. He held a few different jobs which included working on the Hertz Ranch with Art Hertz and Bill Schmitz, hauling corn at Hausmann Farms with Terry Hausmann, and hauling fertilizer part time at Cenex. Donald was a member of the Bonesteel/Fairfax American Legion and the UCC Congregational Church.

Don’s favorite pastimes were spending time with family and friends playing cards, golfing, and visiting. Don’s greatest times were when he was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donald D. Bentz, age 92, of Fairfax, SD, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at Butte Senior Living in Butte, NE.

He is survived by his wife Betty; children Allen (Vonda), Darrell (Joann), Kevin (Lynne), Lori Koenig (Randy), Chad (Michele); 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters Marjorie Kramer, Alice Anderson, Twila Schmidt, and Patricia Larson.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Fred Jr. and Lydia Bentz; brothers Eddie, Alvin, and Reuben Bentz; sisters Leona Opbroek, Ida Frasch, Rose Sterns, Velda Rittle, and Darlene Desmaris.