Joan Marie Bentley

Joan “Jo” Marie Baer Bentley leaves us all with her legacy of love and faith. She left this world on July 5, 2021 at age 92 after living a long and full life, filled with smiles and laughter. She spent her last few days at AngelsGrace Hospice near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where she was cared for with grace and dignity. Jo was born to Fred and Linnie (Bower) Baer on March 20, 1929 in Greenville, Pennsylvania. Her family enjoyed hearing stories of Jo’s childhood, which she described as ‘hardscrabble’, though never in a negative way. Her mother died when Jo was only 3 years old, leaving her four older siblings and a loving church family to help her father raise her. She enjoyed growing up on a farm and embraced being a tomboy. One of Jo’s responsibilities growing up was collecting the eggs from the chicken coop. She loved playing with the farm kitties and had a beloved cocker spaniel named Sandy. Jo’s father was a quiet man of faith who brought his family to church every Sunday, and this formed Jo’s unfailing faith in Jesus which shaped her life. In Greenville, Jo grew up with John, who would become the love of her life. At Jerusalem Evangelical and Reformed Church, they grew up together in Sunday School and many church activities. They were in their mid-20’s before they realized that their friendship could become something more. John picked up Jo at 6:00 AM for their first date (fishing!). Three months later they were engaged, and 6 months later, on February 4, 1956, they married. Those who knew John and Jo were fortunate to witness their deep love and devotion to each other. John went to heaven in 2013, and we smile knowing that they are now reunited. Jo was a sweet and friendly gal who laughed easily and made everyone happy around her. She was patient, compassionate, and accepting of everyone. Jo loved camping, gardening, playing cards, and reading the newspaper. With a heart of gold, she gave to many organizations who supported those who were in need. Devotion to church was a high priority for Jo. She was very active in United Methodist Women and Church Women United, holding positions at both local and state levels. She was Lioness of the Year in Manitowish Waters, WI, where she and John lived for 12 years. She was known for making her amazing lemon meringue pies for Lion’s bingo nights and other events. Jo and John enjoyed many trips. Highlights were the Holy Lands, Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, and an African safari during which Jo encountered an elephant who stomped towards her when she ventured a little too far from their tent. Jo also joined John in attending his annual engineering conferences throughout the country, making long-lasting friends with the other spouses. Most importantly, Jo loved her family. She leaves behind her son Eric (Sally) Bentley, and daughter Amy (Richard) Manns. Her four grandchildren: Minka and John Bentley, Allyson (Daniel) Poland, and Ben Manns. A highlight of her last couple of years was meeting and holding her first great-grandchild, Elsie, this spring. Jo’s four siblings, all from Pennsylvania, passed on before her. She leaves behind many nephews and nieces whom she loved dearly. Jo was most recently a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Waukesha, WI. Although she joined this church family late in life, they welcomed her as one of their own. We are grateful for their prayers, concerns, and support these past few years. When Jo ordered her do-not-resuscitate bracelet a few years ago, she had it engraved on the backside with: “What a life! God loves me! I love God! I love my family!” There is no better summary of her life. A memorial service for Jo will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Salem United Methodist Church, 541 Hwy. 59 in Waukesha, Wisconsin (1:00 pm visitation, 2:00 pm service, 3:00 pm refreshments in fellowship hall). Memorial gifts in Jo’s name may be given to Salem United Methodist Church in Waukesha, or to a charity of your own choosing.