Obituary: Bobby Dean Bentz

Bobby Dean Bentz, 48, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., died unexpectedly July 7, 2010, in Prescott, Ariz. Bob was born Aug. 21, 1961, in Sturgis, S.D., to Don and Nola Bentz.

Bob was employed by Summit Construction at the open pit of Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, S.D., and was a ranching partner with his parents in St. Onge, S.D., for many years before relocating to Arizona. Bob was currently employed with Freeport Moran in Bagdad, Ariz. He proudly served his country in the South Dakota National Guard for 20 years, retiring in 1999.

Bobby enjoyed riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and especially drag racing Harleys with his brother Bill and family's race team, Eagle Cycle Racing. Bob won numerous events all around the western United States and he was the 2009 MDRA National Champion in the ET class: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGegyII3srY. Bob especially enjoyed having his son Robert join the race team and share the thrill of racing.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 21 years, Connie; son Robert of Rapid City, S.D., daughter Brandy and fiancé Dan Karcie of Phoenix, Ariz., daughter April of Prescott Valley, Ariz., stepson Will Janssen and fiancée Courtney of Lake Preston, S.D., stepdaughter Jessica (Connell) and husband Robert of Lake Norden, S.D., and stepdaughter Amanda (Scott) and husband Brad of Tucson, Ariz. Bob had seven grandchildren and one on the way - Ethan, Tate, Daisalynn, Talan, Parker, Trinity and Trystin. Bob is also survived by his mother, Nola Bentz-Reber of Rapid City, S.D.; three brothers, Curtis and wife Karen of Nemo, S.D., George of Rapid City, S.D., and Bill and wife Vikki of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; and two sisters, Cindy (Lester) and husband Tom of Rapid City, S.D. and Suzi Schermerhorn of Rapid City, S.D. Bobby is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who all looked up to him and will miss him greatly as well.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Don, in 1998 and brother Duane in 1991.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 15, 2010, at the Sunrise Funeral Home, 8167 E. Highway 69, Prescott Valley, Ariz. An additional service will be at the United Church of Christ, St. Onge, S.D., on Monday, July 19, with interment following at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunrise Funeral Home in Prescott Valley, Ariz., 928-772-7475, and Black Hills Funeral Home, Sturgis, S.D., 605-347-2522. Friends and family are encouraged to sign Bob's online guestbook at www.sunrisefuneralhome.com

Bobby lived every day to the fullest and lived it for his family and grandkids. Bobby's nickname was Jose Wales and he was fond of saying "holy cow." We will try to remember him telling us "EASY" the way only he could. Bob would give you the shirt off his back and his kindness and easy-going manner have been an inspiration in the lives of family and friends alike. He will be missed every single day from this day on. Ride on, Bobby, ride on.

Information provided by survivors.