John Bentley

John Martin Bentley, 83, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, at his home on Clear Lake in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. He was born on October 27, 1929, to Ben and Mildred Bentley in Greenville, Pennsylvania. John grew up in western Pennsylvania where he attended Perry Township grade school and Hadley High School. He attended Thiel College and Penn State University and in 1951 received his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. He served in the Army Reserves Signal Corp from 1950-56. In 1956 he married Joan "Jo" Baer. John and Jo were happily married for 57 years. They lived in Pittsburgh PA, Buffalo NY, Cedarburg WI, and finally in Manitowish Waters WI. John had an illustrious career as a prominent electrical engineer in the field of control and drive systems for the paper industry worldwide. Over the course of 45 years, John was employed by Westinghouse, Allen-Bradley/Stromberg, and ABB. He was an author and instructor in his areas of expertise for many years. John was appointed the status of "Fellow" in two technical associations, TAPPI and IEEE. These prestigious honors are just two of the many awards and acknowledgements John received in his prominent career. After retiring in 1996, John continued to do part-time consulting and enjoyed attending annual technical conferences. John was an active member of Church of the Pines United Methodist Church in Minocqua, WI, where he served as Chairperson of the Mission Committee for many years. John's faith guided him since he was a young boy, and he was always very committed as a servant of Jesus Christ in his church and in his home. One of John's passions in the years after retiring "up north" was his work with the Manitowish Water's Lion's Club. He served as Secretary of this organization for over ten years. In 2010, John was bestowed with the club's highest honor, the Bud Hyland Award for excellence in club achievement. John also received the Birch-Sturm Fellowship award from the Wisconsin Lion's Foundation and from the Lion's Club International Foundation he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship award. John's servant attitude guided him in his work with the Lions organization and in every area of his life. John is survived by his spouse Jo Bentley of Manitowish Waters, his brother Richard (Beverly) Bentley of Birmingham, AL; his son Eric (Sally) of Edwardsville, IL; his daughter Amy (Richard) Manns, of Waukesha, WI; his grandchildren Allyson & Benjamin Manns, Minka & John Bentley; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Pines United Methodist Church, 415 Chippewa St. in Minocqua on Saturday, May 25, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Lions Club of Manitowish Waters, P.O. Box 301, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545 for the benefit of the Lions Camp in Rosholt or the Church of the Pines United Methodist Church, 415 Chippewa St., Minocqua, WI 54548. Condolences may be left at www.bolgerfuneral.com. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

John Bentley

October 27, 1929 - April 30, 2013