Gordon "Ike" Bentz

September 02, 1928 - January 08, 2010

Gordon "Ike" Bentz Obituary (Age 84) Ike was born September 2, 1925 to George and Hanna in Spokane. He was the youngest of five children Earl, Ralph, Adeline and Charles, who all preceded him in death. He died Friday, January 8, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. Ike attended Cooper Grade School and Rogers High School, graduating in 1943. After graduation he joined the Navy, following his brothers Ralph and Charles. He served as a signalman aboard the USS Kalk in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war he returned home and began his career in the logging industry spanning over 50 years, most of those owning and operating Bentz Logging. He married Merna Jean LaVigne in 1947. Ike and Jean were fortunate to have 62 happy years together and were blessed with five children, Sandra, Susie (Mickey) Docterman, Dave, and Debbie (Ed) Babbitt. Their son John preceded him in death. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren Tara (Sean) Chambers, Karrie (James) King, Mike (Katelyn) Babbitt, Chris Babbitt, Jeremy Bentz-Ashbaugh, Eric Babbitt and Brian Babbitt, along with three great-grandchildren Alex Chambers, Mikaylie King and Jack Chambers. Ike also leaves behind in-laws Raymond Daves, Gladys York and John Merrick. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as many friends from throughout the years, all who will miss him deeply. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 13, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be Friday, January 15 at 1:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.