Oliver Bentson

Oliver Bentson of Cormorant Village, MN, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2014 at his winter home in Weslaco, TX. He was 80 years old.

Oliver Dean Bentson was born on May 17, 1934 in Gwinner, ND. He was the son of Emil and Pearl Bentson. Oliver grew up on the family farm and graduated from Cogswell High School. He completed his college education at North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, ND. Oliver was united in marriage to Betty Brandenburger on September 4, 1955.

Oliver started his teaching career in Aitkin, MN in 1956. In 1966, Oliver and Betty moved to Moorhead where he taught Industrial Arts at Moorhead High School. In 1972, Oliver received his Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts from Moorhead State. After a 33 year teaching career he retired in 1989. In retirement Oliver and Betty began spending their winters in Texas and summers in Cormorant Village.
Oliver was active in the El Zagal Shrine and a member of the Arab Patrol. He served as Captain of the marching unit for several years and made many life-long friends.

Spending time with family and friends was an important part of his life. Some of the things Oliver enjoyed were hunting, fishing, playing cards, and just visiting with everyone. He was an accomplished woodworker and most recently spent his time on carving and turning projects on his lathe.

He is survived by his wife Betty of 59 years; children: Jo Downs, Dan Gilda Bentson, Randy Andrea Bentson, and Dode Bentson; grandchildren: Chelsea Justin, Zach, Chloe, Cody, Kayla, Melissa; great-granddaughter: Avery; and sister: Helen Gerald Lamson.

Oliver is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Pearl along with his sister Lois Gehring.

Visitation: Wednesday, January 7, 2015 from 5pm – 7pm with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m. and a prayer service at 7pm in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Visitation will continue one hour before the service on Thursday at the church.

Funeral Service: Thursday, January 8, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. in Cormorant Lutheran Church.