Richard Bentz

Richard Bentz, 49

Richard Bentz was born to Ernst and Rose (Flitsch) Bentz on April 27, 1968. He passed away of a hypertensive hemorrhagic stroke on Jan. 13, 2018, at the age of 49 while surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his wife and sons, parents, sister, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Rich was raised in Rathdrum, Idaho, with his older brother Larry and younger sister Heather, where he attended Lakeland High School and played on the football and basketball teams. He learned a strong work ethic from his father, devotion to family from his mother, and his siblings were his lifelong best friends. His Uncle Lawrence and Aunt Lil, living next door as he grew up, also played integral roles in Rich’s life and they strengthened his sense of the importance of family.

After graduating high school, Rich joined the Air Force and served his country with honor and distinction for four years. He then worked for Southwest Airlines for 20 years, which is where he met his wife. Rich and Bernadette have been married for 17 years and are blessed with two sons, Liam (age 11) and Andy (age 9).

Rich was a man of strong character and lived his life guided by his moral compass of faith, family, and love for his country. He was an adoring husband, devoted father, and loving son and brother to his family as well as being the most faithful friend. He passed on to his children his love of God, devotion to family, and respect for our country.

Rich had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit coupled with a mischievous streak that won him many friends over the years, but drove teachers crazy in his school days. Though he never grew out of playing the prankster, such as marking his nieces and nephews’ noses with “blueberry-scented” pool chalk to gluing a mousetrap to the History of Animal Traps Display, Rich always took pride in a job well done and his impeccable work ethic made him an invaluable employee, regardless of the occasional joke or gag.

Rich’s hobbies and favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, biking, camping or watching a football game with friends as time and life allowed. His favorite activity, however, was spending time with those he loved, and he especially enjoyed the time he spent with his boys; teaching them, talking with them, and praying and playing with them. He taught them to throw a football, dribble a basketball, how to fish, swing a golf club, and all the things Dads share with their sons. Rich’s sense of humor, generous heart, and open friendship will be missed by all those who knew him.

Rich is survived by his wife, Bernadette, and sons, Liam and Andy; parents, Ernst and Rose (Flitsch) Bentz; sister, Heather (Bentz) Rigby; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Rich is preceded by his brother, Larry Bentz; grandparents, Jake and Emma Bentz and Leo and Marie Flitsch.

Services for Rich: Prayer Vigil at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, and Catholic Funeral Mass on Thursday Jan. 18, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Church, Post Falls, Idaho, followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Spokane Valley.