Robert A. Bentz

Robert Augustus Bentz, 77, was born in Reading, PA on January 26,1947 to Augustus and Dorothy (Kurtz) Bentz. He attended Wilson High School, then went on to Kutztown State College to study biology. He had a strong work ethic and worked many odd jobs to put himself through school like digging graves and maintaining a cemetery or driving delivery trucks.

However, Bob’s younger life was greatly enriched when he met the love of his life in 1963. Jean Louise Maess was his 12th grade partner in advanced biology class at Wilson High School. They were truly devoted to each other and best friends from that time until his passing, fifty-eight wonderful years. Bob and Jean were engaged at age 19 and wed at 20 on June 10,1967. They needed their parents’ written permission to marry at that young age! The newlyweds lived in West Reading, PA. After three years of college, Bob joined the Army in September 1967 until September 1970 where he spent time in Korea. Then he returned to Pennsylvania to finish his B.S. degree in biology.

Bob and Jean started their family in June of ’69. Bob came home on leave to attend his mother-in-law's funeral and nine months later they had Barbara. Scott came along in January of 1972, followed by Mark in February of 1977. He was a devoted Dad who loved family camping, scouting activities and simply “being there” for his family. When Scott bought a car (fixer upper) Bob and Mark took on that automotive project to become real experts.

Bob loved the outdoors and working in nature. He had a friend working in forestry that had a strong appeal to him, he was not interested in a “desk job.” As fate would have it, Robert’s first job involved chemistry at General Battery Company. His expertise led him throughout that field, finishing his career as a quality assurance manager in engineering…and always behind a desk!

Robert was an avid outdoorsman, excellent hunter, accomplished shooter, and bow marksman. When he retired and could no longer keep up that rigorous pace, he and Jean traveled to Hawaii numerous times, took road trips visiting long-time friends and for seven years delivered meals on wheels in their community. But nothing compared to his love for his adoring wife, his family and especially his six grandchildren.

When Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jean took on the role of caregiver for more than five years. Their devotion never waned. The family would like to thank Senior Care Homes and Kansas City Hospice for their excellent care during this time.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Augustus and Dorothy Bentz. He is survived by: his loving wife, Jean; his brother David Bentz (Bonnie) from PA; daughter Barbara Cashman (Tim) of Lenexa, KS; son Scott Bentz of Blue Springs, MO; son Mark Bentz (Jenny) of Ottawa, KS; grandchildren Matthew and Kevin Cashman of Lenexa, KS; and grandchildren Jesse, Katherine, Jodie and Lane Bentz of Ottawa, KS

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Senior Care Homes and KS Hospice House.

Senior Care Homes LLC, 7369 W. 97th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212,  913-236-0036      Waveny Park House specializes in Alzheimer's care.