George O. Bentzel

George O. Bentzel, age 97, of North Lawrence, went home to the Lord on Saturday, September 24, 2022.  George was born on October 26, 1924 on a farm outside of Beach City, Ohio, the third of four sons born to Harold and Evelyn (Laughlin) Bentzel.  He was a 1942 graduate of Beach City High School.

George served in the US Army Air Corps during and after World War II.  He completed flight school and was commissioned as an officer.  He went on to serve in the 9th Air Force, 397th Bomb Group, and 598th Bomb Squadron where he flew combat missions in the European Theater, rising to the rank of Captain.

On November 7, 1947, he married the love of his life, Patricia L. Smith. They initially lived in west Massillon.  In 1951, they built the home in North Lawrence that would be their residence for the rest of their lives. George enjoyed a long career at Eaton Corporation where he worked in the engineering department and rose to the position of superintendent, retiring in 1986. George was a member of Sixteen St. John’s Church, where he served on the church consistory.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, wood working, duck hunting, gardening, travel, dining in Amish country, playing euchre and dominoes, researching on his iPad, and studying military history.

George was respected throughout the community. He loved to tell stories and share his wealth of knowledge with others.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Bentzel; brother Ron Bentzel, and brother Gerald Bentzel  He is survived by his sons, Michael Bentzel and Todd (Mary) Bentzel; grandson Ron (Becky) Bentzel and granddaughter Dayna (Josh) Edwards; great-grandchildren, Grace Bentzel, Georgia Bentzel, Lillian Bentzel, Todd J. Bentzel, Aydan Flood, Roman Flood, Colton Flood, and Taylor Edwards; brother Doyle Bentzel, of Navarre, sister-n-law, Irene Bentzel of Arizona, brothers-in-law Daryl (Kathy) Price of Florida and Neil (Gail) Price of Michigan, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Friends may call Wednesday, September 28, from 6-8:00 pm at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 29, at 10:00 am at Sixteen St. John’s Church in North Lawrence with Pastor Jon Corbett officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Massillon. Memorial contributions may be sent to Sixteen St. John’s Church, 1588 Manchester Ave., SW, North Lawrence, OH 44666.

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