Robert Bentz's Obituary
Dr. Robert L. Bentz, 90, of Lorain, died September 14, 2009, following a brief illness. His life was filled with love and service to others, and he will be deeply missed.
He was born August 4, 1919 in Donora, PA to the late Comer and Teresa Bentz.
Education was very important to him. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his Bachelor of Science Degree from Waynesburg College, Waynesburg, PA in 1942. Although he had been accepted to medical school, he was called to serve his country. In August of 1942, he entered the US Army Air Corp and served four years.
After his service to his country, he returned to Waynesburg College to teach at his alma mater. While he was teaching he also served three country churches as a lay minister for the Pittsburgh District of the Methodist Church. He was known for his wonderful sermons.
After his service as a professor and lay minister, God called Robert to a different path. He entered medical school and graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. After his internship and residency, he settled in Lorain with his family. He began his practice and served his patients for 40 years. He made house calls and would tell his patients, "Turn on your porch light and I'll be right there." He was exceptionally active in his community and his profession.
He was President of the Firelands Area Council Boy Scouts of America. He received many honors with the Silver Beaver Award, as his highest. He served as a Major in the Ohio National Guard Defense Corp. For years, he also served as a Deputy Coroner of Lorain County. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Yosemite Free and Accepted Masons #99, of Merced, CA and the Masonic High Twelve Club.
Robert was a member of the former Delaware Avenue Methodist Church and the current Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church. He also participated in the Lorain Senior Fellowship Club.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Strosnider Bentz; his son, Dr. Robert Bentz and his wife, Lisa, of West Palm Beach, FL; and his daughters, Alma Bernard of Amherst and Patricia Eager and her husband, Minor, of Troy, VA. Surviving are his 8 grandchildren, Dr. Scott Bentz (Dr. Melora), of Denver, CO, Ryan Bernard (Dr. Maria) of Columbia, SC, Todd Bernard, of Amherst, Amanda Rickers (Brian) of New Cannan, CT, Arianna Stein (Dr. Josuha) of Boston, MA, Alyse, Kristie and Alana Bentz, of West Palm Beach, FL; as well as his great-grandchildren, Luke, Olivia and Wesley Rickers and Grace and Gwendolyn Stein.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Comer A. Bentz and Harry F. Bentz.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 3-8 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Greg Sellers of Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.
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