Gary Evert Bents

Gary Evert Bents, age 78, of Manitowoc passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, with his sons by his side.
Gary was born on October 27, 1946 to Evert and Christine (Cordes) Bents of Comstock. In Comstock, he attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse. He later graduated from Cumberland High School in 1964. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education from UW-Eau Claire, Gary taught English for over 30 years in the Manitowoc Public Schools. He served as the chief negotiator for the collective bargaining committee of his local educator's union for many years.
On April 19, 1980 Gary married Ann Einberger, and they were blessed with 40 years of marriage and 2 sons. Gary was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time in the woods at his hunting cabin, and savoring long summer days with family at the cottage. Over the years Gary enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing sheepshead with friends. Gary's travel list was long, and he enjoyed going on road trips to national parks in particular. He recently completed a solo road trip to Colorado to see Pike's Peak and other natural wonders. Gary was very active in the community, volunteering with the Sunrise Optimist Club and at First Lutheran Church.
Gary loved spending time with his grandchildren who filled his heart with so much joy. Gary took great care of his family, friends, and neighbors, and was always willing to help someone when there was a need. He will be greatly missed.
Gary is survived by his sons, Adam Bents and Matthew Bents (Ali Shuda) of Madison; two grandchildren, Poppy and Maurice Bents; siblings Dorothea (Paul) Jirsa, Oakdale, MN, Gerard (Marcy) Bents, Cumberland, WI, and Ralph (Carol) Bents, Courtland, MN along with nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann; his parents; and his sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Mike McCulloch.
A visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church, Manitowoc, on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 1-3 pm with a service immediately following. A second visitation and service will be held at First Lutheran Church, Cumberland, WI on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 1-3pm with burial at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Pfeffer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Manitowoc Sunrise Optimist Club, the Manitowoc Public Library, or First Lutheran Church.
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