Thomas Bentley

Thomas L. Bentley, 65, of Oelwein, Iowa, died Friday, December 20, 2024, at his home in Oelwein, Iowa.

There will be no services at this time.

Thomas Lee Bentley was born February 3, 1959, in Fort Dodge, the son of Clair William and Janice Eileen (Merfeld) Bentley. He attended Fort Dodge Community Schools. Following Tom’s school days, he went on to become a welder/fabricator until his retirement.

He enjoyed anything with a motor, whether it was cars, motorcycles, or even a motorized picnic bench. Tom enjoyed attending car shows and events such as Odd Rods and Night Of Fire. He was an avid camper, enjoying the outdoors whenever he was able. Tom loved putting on firework shows, spending lots of money to make sure he had the best shows for his family and friends. He had impressive collections of pens, pencils, and business cards, collecting them every chance he had. Tom was an avid pool player, playing in pool league for many years. Above all else, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, to which he was known by them as Thomass or Papa Dork Fish.

Tom is survived by his 7 children: Zachary Welsh of West Union, Brianna (Concepcion) Welsh of Missouri, Abby Welsh of West Union, Tanner (Tiffany) Bentley of New Hampton, Andrew Fettkether of Florida, Sarah (Tyler) Bentley of Oelwein and Tyler Bentley of West Union; 15 grandchildren: Raven, Donovan, Jason, Malakye, Izabella, William, Skylar, Axel, Hayven, Leland, Jax, Zara, Rose, Salem and Shiloh; brother: Steve (Cindy) Bentley of Oelwein; girlfriend: Vickie Holmes of Oelwein.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Clair Bentley, Evelyn Bentley, and Janice Eileen.