Ernest Bentz

Ernest Leon Bentz, age 85, of Portland, passed away Tuesday evening in Persimmon Ridge Healthcare.

He was born in Portland on Jan. 24, 1933, the son of Orville and Majeska (McLaughlin) Bentz. He was married Sept. 6, 1953, to D. Joan Willman who survives. He served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a member of American Legion Post #211, VFW and International

Operating Engineers 103. He attended Portland High School. He had worked as a heavy equipment operator for International Operating 103.

Surviving are his wife Joan; two sons, Max Bentz (companion: Deb Wall) of Portland and Roger Bentz (wife: Rebecca) of Fishers, Indiana; one daughter, Carol Poling (husband: Mike) of Portland; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Graveside funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. in the Green Park Cemetery Chapel with Pastor Joe Studt presiding. Burial will follow with military graveside rites by American Legion Post #211.

Memorials can be made to the Jay County Cancer Society. Baird-Freeman Funeral Home are entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.