John Francis Bentgen

John "Jack" Francis Bentgen passed away peacefully in his home on November 7, 2022, at the age of 94 years with his loving wife, Barbara, by his side. He was born in St. Ignace, Michigan, on December 12th, 1927, to Hillard and Lucille Bentgen. Jack was a lifelong resident of St. Ignace, Michigan, and he met his wife Barbara when she came up with a friend to visit. Jack and Barb were married on January 17th, 1957, and had a beautiful life together that spanned 65 wonderful years. Before the bridge was built, Jack began his career working on the car ferries in the Straits of Mackinac with his father and brothers. After completion of the Mackinac bridge, he began working for the State of Michigan working for many different divisions for the State and settled in the parks department. Jack worked at the straights state park until retiring as assistant park supervisor in 1988, after 40+ year of service. Although he never was outspoken about his military service, Jack proudly served his country as a veteran of the Korean War. He served on active duty in the United States Army from 1950-1952, and the US Army Reserve from 1952, until his honorable discharge in 1956. Though he retired, Jack never truly stopped working. He loved to help family and friends with painting and or any other project that they had. Throughout retirement, what kept Jack the busiest was his never-ending work around his home. You could always find him on his Kubota tractor hauling a load of dirt for his garden or Gravel to add to his extensive system of roads around his home that he would travel on his golfcart. Jack would love to sit on his porch to watch the freighters pass through the Straits and he could name them all. He also kept himself busy with his grandchildren's sports and activities. You could always find him and Barb in the stands watching and supporting them at countless sporting events, graduations, band concerts, etc. Both Jack and Barb were always there for their family, he was never one to stay idle. What is most memorable about Jack was his incredible sense of humor. He could make just about anyone laugh with his quick-witted sense of humor and one liner's. Jack was an incredible storyteller and would love to share stories about his many life experiences with his friends and family. Above all else was Jack's love for his family. Jack was a great man that will be missed by many. Jack leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Barbra Bentgen. Jack also leaves behind his brother, Bruce Bentgen; children, Paula (Doug) Goudreau, John (Linda) Bentgen, and James (Marcy) Bentgen; grandchildren, Jack Goudreau, Bradley Smith, Amara Ellis, James Goudreau, William Bentgen, Kolbe Peller, and Kate Bentgen; and Great Grandson, Able Churchill. Jack had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will all miss him immensely. Jack is preceded in death by his mother and father, Hillard & Lucile Bentgen; and siblings, Bob Bentgen, Bill Bentgen, Ruth Kostrzewa, and Dorothy (Sis) Brown. A Graveside Service are being held at Gros Cap Cemetery on Saturday November 12, 2022 at 1:00 PM. Family and friends can send memorials & flowers to the family residence. Galer Funeral Home & Cremation in Pickford, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.

Tributes

John Francis Bentgen

December 19, 1927 - November 7, 2022