Reynard M Bentson

Reynard Malcolm Bentson, 88, of Viroqua, died Tuesday April 17 at Creamery Creek Senior Living. He was born on January 29, 1930 at St.Anne’s in LaCrosse, to Martin and Martha (Rudie) Bentson.  Reynard was baptized and confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua, where he had been a lifetime member.  Reynard graduated from Viroqua High School in 1948 and then received his college degree from La Crosse State University in 1952. After graduating, Reynard taught English at Ellsworth High School (WI) for one year.  On November 28, 1953 Reynard married Beverly J. Henrikson, of Arlington, South Dakota in Minneapolis, MN. Reynard and Beverly moved to Janesville, Wisconsin where he worked at J. J. Smiths Jewelry. In 1955 the couple returned to Viroqua, where Reynard worked for American Family Insurance. In 1960, he ventured out and became an Independent Insurance Agent until 2007 when he sold the Bentson Insurance Agency.  He continued to work with the agency part time until just three years ago when he fully retired.

Reynard was active in Lions Club (since 1955), Sons of Norway, Boy Scouts and his church.  He enjoyed golf, travel and time with his wife and family.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly J. Bentson. Together they have four children:  Victoria (Mark) Bentson Johanneck, Martin (Sherry) Bentson, Alan (Viola) Bentson and Pamela Wright. There are eleven grandchildren: Kristin Carnell, Robin Carnell, Jessica (Pat) Johanneck Mahlberg, Emily (Craig) Meyer, Paula Wright, Brian Johanneck, Eric Wright, Brian Bentson, Tyler Wright, Chris Bentson, and Jordan Wright. Five Great Grandchildren:  Blake Meyer, Wilma Mahlberg, Logan Meyer, Walter Mahlberg and Evan Meyer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roy and wife Myrtle.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday April 21, 2018 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Pastor Yvonne Marshall will officiate with burial in the Westby Coon Prairie Cemetery.   A visitation will be held Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley, with a time of sharing at 6:30, and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time.

Memorials in his name can be sent to the Viroqua Lions Club, Viroqua Boy Scout Troop 75 or Good Shepard Lutheran Church.