Leland Bentley

Leland E. Bentley age 89 of Grundy Center, Iowa passed away Saturday, August 6, 2011 at the Grundy Care Center. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center. A Masonic Aervice, conducted by the Grundy Center Emerald Lodge No. 334, will be held immediately following the funeral service. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center with Military Honors being conducted by the Grundy Center American Legion Post # 349 and AMVETS 17. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Leland was born on November 27, 1921 to his parents Frank and Edna Bentley in Rhodes, Iowa. His family moved to Grundy County in 1937. There he lived for the rest of his life. He joined the United States Marines and served his country in the Pacific during World War II. Leland was part of the first force occupying Japan after its surrender in 1945.

Leland began farming at an early age and continued to farm well into his 80's. Even after he semi-retired, he still worked hard on his farm and assisted others in their efforts. Leland collected and resold tools. He was featured on the very first episode of the television program, "American Pickers" and was the first person to be featured twice on that program. Leland was a former president of the Grundy Center Historical Society. He was a very active member of the Farm Bureau and served on the board of Farm Service. Leland was a member of the Grundy Center American Legion Post #349 and a 50 year member of the Grundy Center Emerald Lodge No. 334. He was also a long time member of the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center.

Leland is survived by his daughter Linda (Robert) Slusser and his grandson Roy Adam Clapsaddle. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty; parents and brothers Loren and Keith Bentley.