Lester George Bents

   LESTER GEORGE BENTS, age 73, of Rushmore, passed away surrounded by his family at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, MN on Friday, November 11, 2022.

   Lester George Bents was born on September 07, 1949, in Sibley, Iowa. He was the son of George JR. and Lammertdena (Waalkes) Bents. He attended elementary school in Rushmore, MN; and later graduating from Worthington High School in 1968, and Northwest Iowa Community College shortly afterwards.

   After Graduating from High School, Lester entered the Army during the Vietnam War; serving in Saigon from 1969 to 1971.

   On January 29, 1972, Lester was united in marriage to LaVonne (Dickey) Bents at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, south of Rushmore. This union was blessed with three children, Jason, Jacalyn, and Justin.

   The couple farmed south of Rushmore, Ellsworth, Wilmont, and Little Rock, Iowa. Through the years as Lester wasn’t working on the farm, you’d find him driving semi somewhere between Minnesota and Galveston, Texas. Lester worked for several trucking firms before purchasing his own semi, and finishing his trucking carreer with Landstar Trucking. Lester earned trips, and several awards working with ‘Landstar’, one of which meant the most was his million mile achievement award.

   When Lester wasnʼt trucking, heʼd be found working on the farm, spending time with his loving wife, LaVonne; spending time with friends, enjoying his pets, or relaxing beside his camper sharing his love of camping with family and friends. He was also a dedicated member of the Ellsworth American Legion for many years.

   Left to cherish his memory include his wife, LaVonne Bents of 50 years; children, Jason Bents (Sheila) of Oelwein, IA; Jacalyn (Wade) Garms, Adrian, MN; Justin (Tyra) Bents of Rushmore, MN; grandchildren, Tasha Marie, Adam Garms (Special friend, Mercedes), Tanner (Josie) Judisch, Austin Garms (Special friend, Peyton), Aaron Garms; and great grandchild, Briggs Lester; brother-in-law, John Dickey; sister-in-law, Teresa Dickey; sister-in-law, Linda Schoneman; and many nieces and nephews.

   Lester was preceded in death by his parents George Jr., and Lammertdena Bents; his Father and Mother-in-law Joseph and Josephine (Houwen) Dickey; brother-in-law, Dennis Schoneman; and loving canine companion and truck partner, Penny.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 28, at 4:00 PM, at the Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington; with a Visitation starting at 2:00.   

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