Robert Herman Bentzien

Robert Herman Bentzien (Adorable Bob), age 91, passed peacefully at home on April 10, 2008 while sitting in his favorite chair where he could see the lake and watch TV. He passed away 7 days after his 60th wedding anniversary. He was the third son born to Paul John and Adela H.M.(born Thode) Bentzien. His older brothers and their wives, Richard Paul and Linnea Bentzien and Leonard Thode and Jessie Emma Bentzien, as well as his nephew Tom Albert Bentzien preceded him on the passage to everlasting life. Bob loved his home at North Lake and liked to entertain family and friends. Bob was survived by his wife, Shirley (Rudolph) Bentzien and his two children, Vicki (Wayne) and Don (Barney), nieces and nephews Jill Elin Benke (born Bentzien), Rick John Bentzien, Dean Lee and Laureen (born Faust) Bentzien, Sally Louise (born Bentzien) and Loren Danke. Bob was also survived by his grand-niece Sara Jessie Danke and grand-nephews Brett Leonard Danke, Kyle John and Ryan Lee Bentzien and Samuel Engman Benke. During WWII he was a staff sergeant, participated in Operation Varsity--a parachute jump across the Rhine into Germany in March 1945, and was a member of "McMullen's Raiders" when they captured the German city of Essen. He is mentioned in Blood On The Talons by Col Ozzie Gorbitz. Bob retired from Unit Products and Chenequa Country Club. His skills and knowledge of tools made him a "Jack of All Trades"--if something was fixable, he could fix it. His organization skills were remarkable--if his, he could find it. Though he may not have known it, his guiding words "Govern Yourself Accordingly" still resonate with Vicki & Don to be on time, eat healthy, and make wise, informed decisions. A memorial service was held on April 19th, 2008 at the Yonke & Son Funeral Home in Pewaukee. On Apr 30, 2018 Dad was inurned at Arlington National Cemetery: Columbarium Court 9 South, Section S42, Column 29, Niche 2. A memorial marker is being planned for Pilgrim's Rest where his mother Adela is resting--she died in Dec 1918 when Dad was just 2 years old--I believe they are, at long last, together again. Dad is deeply missed by Shirley, Vicki & Don...