Richard E. Bentson

Richard E. Bentson, age 85, passed away Monday, April 29, 2013, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center.  Richard was born in Racine on March 18, 1928, son of the late Elmer and Lillian (Nee: Mons) Bentson.

On June 30, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mania Gryczkowski, who preceded him in death on April 24, 1995.  On May 17, 1997, he was united in marriage to Agnes (Nee:  Vallner) Navratil.  Richard’s career included employment at Hamilton Beach, Michaels Machine Company, and lastly Precise Corporation, retiring in September 1991.  Following retirement he kept busy working for Laidlaw driving bus, volunteering at the Salvation Army and driving the courtesy van at St. Mary’s Hospital and Red Cross.  An avid golfer, Richard also enjoyed bowling, volleyball, camping and traveling.  Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family.  He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife, Agnes; his children, Richard (Joann) Bentson of Orland Park, IL, Patricia  (Andrew) Milock of Kenosha, Peggy Billups of Mannford, OK, Thomas Bentson of Racine; grandchildren, Andrew Milock, Michael Milock, Chelsea Milock, William Cody Billups, Keli Billups, Chris (Jim) Schaefges of Morton Grove, IL, Bill Holtschult of Hillsboro, OR; great-grandchildren, Rachael and Amanda Schaefges, Gabriel and Zachary Holtschult; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sophie Kowalski of Waukegan, IL, Helen Gryczkowski of Kenosha, Theresa Ruediger of Racine, Rosemary Pedersen of High Point, NC, Edward (Evelyn) Vallner of Fond du Lac; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mania (Nee: Gryczkowski); son-in-law, William Billups; sister, Orda J. Bentson; and brother, Arthur Bentson.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 3, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Private interment will be held.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.  Memorials to St. Lucy Catholic Church or to Salvation Army have been suggested.

A very special thank you to his caregivers, Marilyn White-Kyle, Toni Holton, Ruth Lacy, and Keticia Kyle for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888