Donald Jay Bentley of Allegan, Michigan, passed peacefully surrounded by his family. Donald was born on May 7, 1930, in Plainwell, Michigan, to his late parents Lyle and Helen (Hicks) Bentley. From a young age Donald would be raised by his grandmother Hazel Bentley. He would find the love of his life Gwendolyn (Wohlscheid) Bentley of Portland, Michigan, and wed on March 12, 1954. Sharing over 70 years as a partnership that inspired all that knew them. They were always the first ones on the dance floor! He proudly cherished his ever-growing family. He was always the first one to start the jokes and razzing with his son-in-laws. Don really enjoyed his "reward" after work and any meal or dessert was "Fabulous!". Donald served honorably in the United States Navy and after his discharge he would create his business DJ Bentley Construction spanning 55 plus years. Donald was an avid golfer, camper, fisherman, and lifetime Elks member. Being outside tinkering and working with his hands always shadowed by his companion Callie, is how he thrived. He always said mowing (sometimes way close to the pond or in it!), cutting firewood and thinking up unique ways to make things work better was what kept him young. He was proud of his generational family farm, established in 1891.

Donald is survived by his wife Gwendolyn (Wohlscheid) Bentley; children Dahn (Darl) Miner from North Dakota, Jill Bentley from Allegan Michigan, Shane (Laura) Bentley from Allegan Michigan, Kim Larson from Montana, and Kellie (Chris) Reid from Yale Michigan; 17 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren; and brother Gery Bentley from Otsego Michigan.

Preceded in death are his parents Lyle and Helen (Hicks) Bentley; son in-law Brian Larson; and brother Russell Bentley.

A memorial service will be planned for the summer and announced in the coming months.