Carlos W. Bentz, age 95, of Hot Springs, SD, died of natural causes at his residence, Thursday, August 30, 2007.

He was born October 25, 1911 to Karl and Elizabeth Bentz, on a homestead 20 miles west of Belle Fourche, SD. Carlos was one of eleven children, five boys, John, R.H., Adolph, Jacob, Carlos; six girls, Millie, Lillian, Emma, Katherina, Clara and Elsa. His parents and eight of the children immigrated to America from Kershan, Russia in 1907. They settled in Lesterville, SD. In 1910 the family homesteaded 20 miles west of Belle Fourche, SD. In 1917, they moved to Belle Fourche Irrigation Project. They entered various careers of private business and employment as well as raising families of their own.

Carlos graduated Nisland High School May 17, 1935. He attended Spearfish Normal School in 1935 as a pre-med major. He received honorable discharge. May 10, 1934 to October 10, 1934 as a corpsman with the Civil Conservation Corps. He received his certificate in gas and Arc welding in 1943, vocational training school at Lead public schools, Carlos was civil service from 1943 until VJ Day at Hunters Point
Naval Shipyards, Seattle, WA. Carlos was a rancher, road and iron construction from 1935 to 1975

On December 23, 1936, he married Laura N. Pascoe in Hot Springs, SD, who taught school for 44 years as well as Lawrence County Superintendent of Schools from 1937 to 1949. Carlos and Laura retired in 1975. Carlos held International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers card in 1943. He enjoyed his ranching life with Laura and son, Karl. He took great pleasure in family, personal friends and his extensive library, reading the Bible for guidance and comfort. He loved all of nature's creation.

Surviving relatives are an only son, Karl R. Bentz of Hot Springs, SD and numerous nieces, nephews and their families living through out the country.

Well done thou good and faithful servant.

A memorial has been established in Carlos's name to benefit the donor's choice.

Memorial Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at Kline Frost Funeral Home in Belle Fourche, SD. with Chaplain Charlie Conger officiating. Interment will follow at Beulah Cemetery, Beulah, WY.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs and Kline-Frost Funeral Home in Belle, Fourche. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.