Lee Bentley was born on October 25, 1924 in Viking, Alberta, Canada to Winifred and Vernon Bentley. He passed away on August 10, 2013 in Spearfish, SD.
At the age of 8, his family moved to South Dakota. He graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD. He married Bonnie LaShier in 1948 in Sioux Falls. To this union were born 2 children, a son, Robin and a daughter, Dalari. Lee became a naturalized US citizen along with his mother in 1951. He worked for Goodyear Tire in Sioux Falls until he took a job with the South Dakota Department of Transportation in maintenance. He joined the South Dakota Highway Patrol in 1954. He served as a patrolman in Wessington Springs for nine years, after which he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Belle Fourche. He spent the next 18 years as a sergeant, mentoring many patrolmen throughout the years, many of which became lifelong friends. After retiring from the highway patrol in 1982, he was elected Sheriff of Butte County where he served the people for four years. While in "retirement," he was employed by the Game, Fish & Parks Department helping with fish studies, as well as assisting his son with daily operations of Bentley Wood Products.
While growing up, Lee and his friends enjoyed hunting and fishing in eastern South Dakota. "Sarge," as he was known, was an avid baseball and softball player when he was young. He passed this love of the game on to numerous kids. He was instrumental in starting Teener and Legion Baseball in Belle Fourche. In his first year coaching, he took his team to the state tournament. Five of his players went on to play college baseball.
Later, he enjoyed following his grandchildren's activities. Whether it was baseball, golf, tennis, basketball or drama; he was always there, no matter how far away. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends at the Millstone where many a story was told and embellished. Those who knew Sarge knew him to be a fair, honest, loving and caring person. He will be missed by many, remembered by all and is a great inspiration to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by both parents, two sisters; Irene Nelson and June Shields. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, son, Rob (Beth) Bentley and daughter, Dalari (Dennis) Stillman and four grandchildren, Jaime, Brandon, Mason and Myles.
Visitation will be from 5-8pm, Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.
Funeral services will be at 11am, Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish.
Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com