Tom Bentley

Tom Bentley MCPO, U. S. Navy, Ret., 86, of Falls City, NE, passed away January 11, 2020 at Falls City. He was born August 26, 1933 at Rulo, NE to Ernest and Lena (Palmer) Bentley. 

He married Donna Schulenberg on November 27, 1957 at Falls City.

He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in May of 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He reenlisted in August of 1967 and retired in 1993. He served in the Philippines, Adak, AK, Japan, San Diego, CA, Gulf Port, MS and Little Creek, VA in addition to serving two tours in Vietnam. He earned 2 bronze stars, 3 Navy Achievement medals, and a Navy Commendation Medal.

Tom was raised at Rulo and moved to Barada at the age of 8 and attended country school. Following his schooling he farmed until enlisting in the U. S. Navy Seabees. Following his discharge in 1957 he returned to Falls City and worked at Frontier Trailer Factory, Conoco and also managed the VFW and American Legion Clubs. He then reenlisted and after serving 30 years he retired to Gulf Port, MS until 1996 when they returned to Falls City. He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th and Towle St.).

Tom is survived by his wife, Donna of Falls City, son, Mike and his wife Beverly of Gulf Port, MS, daughters, Lisa Bentley and her partner Jeremy Goldsberry of Falls City, Debbie Bassett and her husband Jim of Falls City, sister, Dora Nussbaum and her husband Rolland of Falls City, nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ernest, Wayne and Charlie, sister, Margaret Ingles, daughter, Sharon Mitchell and a great-granddaughter, Charleigh Bassett.

His memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th and Towle St.) with Reverend Andrew Chavanak officiating. Inurnment will be in Steele Cemetery. Military graveside honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

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