Paul "Bear" Bentrup

1949 - 2025

Paul Ernest Bentrup was born December 29th, 1949 in Mora, Minnesota to Edmund and Margaret Bentrup. The third son of six children, they moved often following the call of his father as a Lutheran Pastor. He graduated from Fisher High School in 1967 and graduated from Bemidji State College in 1971 with a degree in Chemistry.

Affectionately known by many as Bear, he lived a life full of adventure. In his college and early adult years he traversed the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. In 1975, he enlisted in the Navy attending Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign in the fall of that year. He completed Nuclear Power School, served aboard the SSN Permit, and earned his dolphins. While serving he traveled the country and the world, experiencing new cities and cultures. In 1980, he moved to Kennewick, Washington and began his career in the civilian nuclear industry, working for Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) which later became Energy Northwest (EN), and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) doing interface work between EN and BPA. During his career he obtained his Senior Reactor Operator license and became a licensed Professional Engineer.

His biggest adventure began in 1981 when he married the love of his life, Karen (Sanderson) Bentrup. They had three children together that they raised to love the outdoors through camping and deep sea fishing. They taught them the importance of their education, spending countless hours at the dinner table helping with homework, how to repair anything from a dishwasher to the car, and most importantly how to share the love of Jesus Christ through serving others. In 2017, Bear retired to pursue his hobbies: camping, deep sea fishing, fly tying, lapidary interests, and traveling with Karen.

Throughout their time in Washington they gained many dear friends, who became extended family, and we are eternally grateful for the love, care, and support they showed especially in the last few years. In 2024, Bear and Karen moved to Fargo, North Dakota where they experienced the joy of being grandparents.

Bear was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Margaret Bentrup; and brothers, Richard and Tom Bentrup. He is survived by wife, Karen; children, Bryan Bentrup, Leah Bentrup, Traci (Jon) Sletmoe; grandsons, Magnus and Otto; extended family, Lin Bentrup, Mark (June) Bentrup, Mary (Ken) Wagner, John Bentrup, Lou Krohn, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends around the country.

We will miss his ever calm presence, wise council, and servant heart. We want to thank the many people who cared for Bear in his final years; first and foremost their Washington family, Solutions Health Care (Kennewick, WA), Griswold Health Care (Fargo, ND), Nizoni Health Care (Fargo, ND), VA Health Services (Walla Walla, WA and Fargo, ND). Your care was exceptional and we can never fully express our gratitude.

Please in lieu of flowers, make donations in memory of Bear Bentrup:

FRIENDS OF BWCA (BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA).

2550 University Ave W. 180S, St. Paul, MN. 55114 or online at: www.friends-bwca.org/memorial.