Dorothy Lorraine Bentley

Dorothy L. Bentley, 97, passed away Friday, August 27, 2021, at Perham Living in Perham, MN.

Dorothy Lorraine Hoyne was born in McIntosh, MN on September 21, 1923.  Her parents were George Hoyne and Minda (Lovaas) Hoyne.  She grew up in McIntosh where she graduated from high school. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church.

Dorothy went on to attend Bemidji State Teachers College and graduated in 1944 with a major in Public School Music and Elementary Education.  During the years she was at college, she served as a part time church organist in McIntosh.  Upon graduating from college, she was hired as a teacher in the Grand Forks, ND School System.  Dorothy taught at Winship Grade School for four years.  While teaching there, she took organ lessons at Wesley College on the campus of the University of North Dakota (UND).

In 1948, she met the love of her life, Donald E. Bentley.  They both sang in the choir at the United Lutheran Church. Don took Dorothy to meet his parents in Twin Valley, MN. Don gave Dorothy an engagement ring on April Fool’s Day in 1948.  Dorothy and Don were married on June 13, 1948 in McIntosh.  They made their first home in Grand Forks.  After a year or so, Don decided to leave the business world and go into Dentistry at the U of MN Dental School in the fall of 1950. Their first child, Geoffrey, was born the same day that Don registered at the Dental School.  The Bentleys eventually moved to the barracks at the University Village on Como Avenue in St. Paul.  In 1954, Don graduated and set up a dental practice in Hawley, MN.  Don and Dorothy enjoyed many years in the Hawley community where they raised their four children. In 1958, they purchased a lake cabin on Little Pine Lake near Perham, MN.  This has been the gathering place for the Bentley Bunch for the last 60 plus years.  Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham has been their 2^nd church home all of these years.

In 1986 Don and Dorothy discovered their winter escape paradise on Marco Island, FL. Dorothy and Don were associate members of Marco Lutheran Church and enjoyed fellowship in the church choir and bible studies. They spent every winter there together until Don’s death in November of 2005. Dorothy continued to spend winter months on Marco Island through 2017. Dorothy remained in Hawley until 2015 when she relocated to Briarwood Assisted Living in Perham.

Dorothy’s love and devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the greatest joy in her life! Dorothy was an active member of Hawley Lutheran Church for over 50 years. She was a leader and a member of the pipe organ committee. Dorothy was also a talented musician.  One of her cherished musical joys was serving as the junior choir director at Hawley Lutheran for over 20 years.  Dorothy was an accomplished pianist and could improvise by ear. She enjoyed providing piano accompaniment in her community, as well as substituting as church organist as needed. She volunteered on several community projects and committees in Hawley and received the Woman of the Year Award. Dorothy was the oldest surviving member of the Women’s Study Club. She also served on the Clay County Social Services Board for 8 years. In 2012, Dorothy was honored to receive the Soli Deo Gloria award from Concordia College.

Dorothy traveled with her husband, Dr. Don, when he was elected as President of the American Dental Association.  She served as the first lady of Dentistry for a year entertaining and hosting other dental wives throughout the US and around the world.

Dorothy is survived by her children Dr. Geoffrey Bentley (Pam), Marco Island, FL.; Linda Rossow (Rev. David), Byron, MN.; Judith Parry (Rev. Burton), York, PA.; and Paula Ness (Rick), Apple Valley, MN. Dorothy has twelve grandchildren: Erik Bentley (Ingrid), Sarah Bentley, and Reid Bentley (Cathy); Jennifer Rossow, Hope Cross (Scott), Adam Rossow (Tahera Rahman); Megan Adamczyk (Nick), Gavin Romer, and Brittany Romer; Emily Ness (fiance Rozell Ritemon), Rachel Ness, and Mitchell Ness; Nine great grandchildren: Annika, Ian & Karina Bentley; Caleb & Avery Cross; Mira & William Adamczyk; Bella & Aria Romer; sisters Gertrude Lindau and Margaret Dahl and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald, and many extended family members and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham or the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be Friday, September 3, 2021, from 4-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 6:00 P.M. at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley, MN. Visitation continues Saturday, September 4^th from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. followed by the Memorial Service at 12:30 P.M. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, MN.  Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery.