Gervase William Bentler, 87 years, of Bonaparte, Iowa died at 9:10 pm Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Great River Medical Center, West Burlington, Iowa. He was born June 19, 1924 at Houghton, Iowa a son of Fred H. and Veronica Mary (Menke) Bentler. On November 28, 1987, he married Mollie (Church) Mills at Bonaparte, Iowa.

He was a lifelong resident of the area. He attended St. John's Catholic School, Houghton. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II. He was co-owner of Mt. Hamill Elevator for more than 30 years and was a life long carpenter. He was a volunteer with the Cedar Township Fire and Rescue. He coached women's softball and Little League baseball for years. He was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus #3905 at Houghton, the American Legion at Farmington, and the Moose Lodge at Fort Madison. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, hunting, was an avid card player, and traveling.

Survivors include his wife, Mollie Bentler, of Bonaparte, Iowa; four sons: Jim ( Diane) Bentler, of Rowlett, Texas; Dan Bentler, of Fort Madison, Iowa; Dave Bentler, of Charleston, South Carolina; and Gregg (Carol) Bentler, of Iowa City, Iowa; two daughters, Julie Bentler (friend Nancy), of Morning Sun, Iowa; Lisa (Bob) Fitzsimmons, of Coralville, Iowa; three step-sons: Bryan (wife Judy) Mills, of Iowa City, Iowa; Brad (wife Annie) Mills, of Houghton, Iowa; and Burton (wife Patty) Mills, of Farmington, Iowa; one step-daughter, Pam (husband Jay) Rider, of Indianapolis, Indiana; one brother, Raymond (wife Marlene) Bentler, of Salem, Iowa; three sisters: Roslita Brown, of Metamora, Illinois; Eileen Hellman, of Houghton, Iowa; and Sally (husband Frank) Arndt, of Fairfield, Iowa; seven grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three step-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Alfonse Bentler; one sister, Pauline Pieper; two sons: Joseph Bentler and Michael Bentler; a daughter-in-law, Sandra (Mendez) Bentler; three granddaughters: Sheena, Shelby, and Shayne Bentler.

Friends may call after 2:30 pm Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home, West Point, Iowa, where a Rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm. The family will greet friends from 5:30 - 8:00 pm Wednesday evening, with a Christian Wake Service being held at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Thursday September 15, 2011 at the St. John's Catholic Church, Houghton, with Reverend Gary Beckman, as celebrant. Burial will be at the Bonaparte Cemetery, Bonaparte, Iowa. A memorial has been established for St. John's Catholic Church or Bonaparte Cemetery, contributions may be made at the church or the Barr- Holtkamp Funeral Home, 412 Ave C, P.O. Box 247, West Point, Iowa 52656.