Alfred (Al) Edgar Bent, 90, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2014, with his loving family at his side. He was born in Bondville, IL, on March 3, 1924, to parents Harry and Eva (Wilson) Bent.
Al attended Champaign Senior High School, graduating in 1942, and then enlisted in the USAF in 1943.
Al served as a Lieutenant bombardier with the 15th Air Force stationed in Italy during WWII. Wounded on his first mission, he flew seven more missions before being released from active duty, at which time he enlisted in the USAF Reserves, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Al was decorated with the Presidential Citation with two clusters, Purple Heart, European Theatre Ribbon with seven battle stars, and the ribbon for service in the American Theatre of Operations.
After service, Al attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. On August 8, 1945, he married the love of his life, Dorothy (Dotti) Helen Cox at the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Champaign, IL. The happy couple was married by Dr. Reverend H. Clifford Northcott, who later became Bishop of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church. Al and Dotti celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in August of this year.
Al was employed by Twin Disc, Inc. for 30 years as an Internal Auditor. While working, he attained his advanced degree as a Certified Internal Auditor. He participated in and was president of the Junior Achievement program sponsored by Twin Disc, and was a member and officer of the company’s 20-year club.
Al was a very active member of the Racine Jaycees, where he held the offices of Treasurer and President. He also served as Treasurer at the Wisconsin state level.
Al was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Racine for 62 years. He served as treasurer of the church for 55 years, was a member of the finance committee and administrative board, and served on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Conference District for seven years. Al was also a member of the Masonic Lodge of Rochelle, IL, and the Shriner’s Club of Racine.
Al enjoyed sports of all kinds. He was an avid golfer and a member and officer of the Ives Grove Tuesday golf league. He also enjoyed bowling with the Twin Disc Bowling league. Al and Dotti traveled extensively in the U.S. and internationally, and celebrated their 60th anniversary in Paris at the Moulin Rouge with their daughters.
Al was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Raymond and Jack; and sister-in-law, Julia (Barber) Bent. He is survived by his loving wife, Dotti; two daughters, Katherine Lynn Bent and Barbara Ann Bent, both of Spokane, WA; and brother, William Frank Bent and sister-in-law, Lucy Bent of Paxton, IL.
A Funeral Service celebrating Al’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church of Racine, 745 Main St., with Pastor Jakes Voker officiating. Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. The sanctuary is elevator-accessible from the Main Street entrance. Entombment with Full Military Honors will be held at Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Racine, Shriner’s Hospital for Children at 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707, or Macular Degeneration Research, 22512 Garden Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the wonderful nursing staff at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, Floor 2C, and to Dr. Akgulian and Dr. Zikel for their assistance and compassionate care.
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine, WI (262) 634-7888
