A Clark Lake star has dimmed.  Dr. Jack Bentley passed away today surrounded by his family. 

He leaves behind his four daughters–Lynne Bentley (Tony Merlot), Gail Bentley (David Bomgaars), Jill Bentley, and Elise Fish (Brian), grandchildren, and others.

Jack Bentley and his wife, Mary, were known affectionately as Dr. Jack and Dr. Mary.  Both were M.D.s and had large and loyal practices in Jackson for many years.  Dr. Mary passed away in 2016.

Dr. Jack helped many throughout his remarkable medical career.  Not everyone is aware of the circumstances that took him on that path. Captain Jack Bentley fought in World War II.  While on flying mission in the European theater, his plane was hit by shrapnel.  He was able to fly the badly damaged aircraft back to base in England, and there, crashed landed.  He sustained severe injuries and was paralyzed from the neck down.  Jack Bentley always downplayed this experience and never claimed to be a hero.  But he was.  You can read this incredible story by clicking here.

Jack and Mary Bentley had a long history at Clark Lake.  Relaxing from the medical practices included being part of Fleet 58, and sailing that preceded Hobies.

Dr. Bentley touched many lives.  He will be greatly missed. 

There will be service at 10 am, October 8th, at St. Rita’s, Clark Lake. For friends and family a celebration of life will take place at the Clark Lake Golf Course from 11:00 A.M. to noon.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Clark Lake Spirit Foundation, Henry Ford Allegiance Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Great Lakes Caring and Home Hospice.

Comments:

Jill Bentley:  Thank you all for loving my dad and my mom.your encouragement is such a blessing to all of us. Life is definitely not the same. 

Dr. Pam Nichols:  The world is incomplete without my Uncle Jack. I loved him so.

Joann Nichols:  Uncle Jack made us all proud! He was a great man, Uncle, and doctor! Love him and will miss him terribly!

Thomas D. Maves, DVM:  Sincere condolences to Elise, Jill and the rest of the Bentley Family. By all accounts, your Dad (and Mom) was a rock star around Clark Lake. He will be missed by all who knew him. May the great memories of the past console and strengthen you in your time of grief.

Patsy Sanders:  I am sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful man. My heart aches for you at this time of sorrow.

Carolyn Zader:  Dr. Jack was a great man and a forward thinker from way back. He was my Dr. in 1960 when I was back in Michigan for a few years. He also was on call any time at the lake if you had a sick kid or needed anything. He will be greatly missed.

Karen Bauer:  I am so sorry for your loss! May you feel the love and prayers by those who knew and loved your Dad. He was a wonderful doctor and human being.

Joyce Hashley: Dr Jack and Dr Mary were my doctors for many years. They delivered 5 healthy babies for us and took care of them for many years. They were both excellent doctors and will surely be missed.

Kristenia Pittman:  Greg’s and my prayers are with you Lynn, Gail, Jill and Elise. May God bless you with comfort and peace. May you know and rejoice that your Dad is with your Mother again – now in their Heavenly Home. God Bless you!!

Kirby:  My deepest condolences to the sweet sisters…he left you a splendid lake legacy.

Jill Secord:  Dr. Jack Bentley’s contributions to medicine and alcohol abuse was paramount. Dr Mary was affectionately loved by all. They leave a wonderful legacy of a full life. Prayers for your family.

Kim Wilkinson:   I’m so sorry for your loss, praying that the Lord will wrap His loving arms around you girls in comfort.

Del Anteau:  God bless all the Bentley girls.

Cindi Roth:  Jack made a huge impression on me as a child with his race and style. I can still hear his magnificent voice. He lent me his Quarter Horse Mo and I fell in love with the breed and have been showing and breeding them ever since. And Rex his dog started my life long love of German Shepherds. Everything about Jack was dignified. He defined class. He will always be a part of who I am.

Cathy Poquette:  Dr. Jack was like family to me. He was a warm, welcoming and kind man. A family man and a gracious host. I have very fond memories of Uncle Jack and Aunt Mary. May all the fond memories you hold dear in your heart, the love of your family and the grace of God carry you through this loss. Many hugs and prayers.

Nancy Bunting Larson:  Elise, I am so sad to hear of your dad’s passing. Love and prayers to you and your sisters. Xo

Karen Menard: Oh no. I’m sorry to hear about your loss Bentley family. You are in our prayer’s.

Frank Lowden:  The lake has lost another icon. We share in your loss. God’s speed, Dr Jack.

Andrea Schultz:  I’m so sorry to hear this. I will keep his family in my prayers.

Becky Locke Ashin:  Dr. Mary and Dr. Jack we’re my first doctors as a young teenager and made an indelible mark on my life. They were kind, knowledgeable and giving of their time. They truly shaped who I became as an adult. Not only were they my doctors but they also welcomed me into their home as a friend of Lynne’s. Thank you for all you gave to me and to our community. Together again! Love to their beautiful girls!

Pam Chmiel:  So sorry for your loss, he was such a great man. I will always be grateful for the time I spent with him and all his stories.

Cindi Roth:  Jack made a huge impression on me as a child with his grace and style. I can still hear his magnificent voice. He lent me his Quarter Horse Mo and I fell in love with the breed and have been showing and breeding them ever since. And Rex his dog started my life long love of German Shepherds.  Everything about Jack was dignified. He defined class. He will always be a part of who I am.

Dotty Karkheck:  Prayers for all the Bentleys. Dr. Jack was a great guy. He will be missed.
 
Wendee Hart:   What a great man.You will be greatly missed.Prayers ? ? ?

 Jeanne Merrill:  Prayers, he was a great man ? ?

 Maggie Page: ??

Suzie Freeman:   I am so sorry, prayers ?
 
Kellie Garris:  My thoughts are with all the Bentley girls for your loss. Losing a dad is never easy. Bless you all.

Douglas Jarvis:  Dr. Mary delivered me to this world on November 3rd 1955. Forever grateful.

Dawn Moehn: Jill I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family during this difficult time. Beautiful article about your Father and Mother.

Robyn Vercoe:  So sorry for your loss…he was my doctor while I was growing up and even took my daughter to him…he was a great doctor.

Jay Tomi Jo Gallant:   Love, prayers, and comfort to you ?

Jeanne Merrill:   Prayers, he was a great man ? ?

Suzie Freeman:   I am so sorry, prayers

Claudia Fanti:   You girls were born to a legacy with the Drs Bentley !! Im sorry for your great loss . Love and peace to your family .

Denise Cox:  Dr. Jack was my doctor. He has helped so many throughout his life. His love & memories will remain in your heart. My deepest sympathy.