"Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. His warm smile and gentle manner will always be remembered. Cherish your memories of him. "
In loving memory of
Allan S. Bentley
March 15, 1922 - September 13, 2016
Allan S. Bentley, age 94, of Ames, died peacefully in his home Sept. 13, surrounded by his wife and family. A visitation will be 4-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, with an 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Monday, Sept. 19 at Napier United Methodist Church in Napier, Iowa. Burial will be held at Slater Cemetery in Slater.
Allan was born on March 15, 1922 on the family farm south of Ames, the son of O.R. (Russell) and Helen Bentley. He graduated from Napier High School in 1938 at the age of 16, and then Iowa State College with a BS in Dairy Husbandry in 1946. Beginning his career in Elkader, IA as the Clayton County Extension Youth Assistant, he organized thirty-five new 4-H groups. While in northeast Iowa, he met Evelyn Allert, the love of his life. They married on September 5, 1948 in Giard, IA. Settling in Ames, Allan partnered with his father on Suneslope Farm, where they raised registered purebred Guernsey dairy cows. Installing one of the first milking parlors in the state allowed the operation to expand to 70 cows, milked twice per day. Allan's numerous recognitions in the dairy industry included being named Distinguished Iowa Dairyman in 1964 and an Honorary ISU Dairy Science member in 1979. After retiring from full-time farming in 1989, he was so pleased that son, Denny, chose to continue farming the land. Allan & Evelyn enjoyed those years being in their new home and taking special trips.
Allan and Evelyn raised two sons and four daughters on their farm and encouraged and supported them in 4-H, school and church activities. Allan was very proud of his children and always prayed for their salvation. He had a passion for missions and was an early promoter of Heifer Project and CROPWALK. He was also an avid Iowa State Cyclones fan.
With a lifelong love of music, Allan sang in church choirs, Ametones Barbershop Chorus, Ames Choral Society, Golden K Singers, and Songbirds. He was a member of the American Guernsey Association, Gideons, Golden K Kiwanis, and the Napier United Methodist Church.
Allan is survived by his wife Evelyn, his children, Denny (Julie) Bentley, Becky (Kim) Christiansen, Jane (Jim) Weaver all of Ames, Carol (Curt) Bentley-Iverson of Decorah, Mary (Maury) Wills of Adel, and Scott Bentley (Sarah Buob) of Madison WI, 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Vera Willhoit, Doris Cousin, and Donna Armburg.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to: Gideon's, Hope Ministry of Des Moines, and Reach Beyond.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"To all the Bentleys: Very sorry for your loss. Your dad and all of you were always very good neighbors to us, and as we grew up; you even kept our ponies Taffy and Caramel at your farm! Today, my mom (Ann Steele), and our family also lost our kind stepfather, Bob Ebert. We hope to see him again in heaven one day, just as I'm sure you will see Al. Our condolences from the Steele-Larsens. "
"Jane I just heard your Father went on to heaven. I will always remember coming home with & watching your Dad milk the cows, carrying the milk into the house & helping your Mom make homemade ice cream! A first for this Minnesota city girl."