Harold Lester Bentele was born July 19, 1928, in Wesley, Iowa, the son of Frank and Sophie (Kutschara) Bentele. He was baptized at St. Joseph Church in Wesley and confirmed on May 9, 1954, following his marriage. Harold attended country school in St. Benedict, Iowa, and public school in both LuVerne and Swea City, Iowa. He graduated from high school in 1946. He also served in the National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1949. Harold was united in marriage to Dolores Krumwiede on Nov. 4, 1950, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Following their marriage, they farmed in Iowa for two years, and during that time they were blessed with their first son, Terry. They then moved to Westford Township, Martin County, Minn. They were then blessed with their second son, Steven, and then their third son, Bruce. Harold and his family farmed near Truman for 29 years and retired from farming in 1979. Harold and Dolores moved into Truman after they retired from farming and Harold remained in his home in Truman until June, 2019, when he moved to an assisted-living facility in Fairmont. Harold was a farmer for many years, but in his younger years he also had his pilot’s license and his own Bentele Custom Crop spraying business. He enjoyed airplanes until the time of his passing. He worked for Opsal Filling Station as a salesman and drove school bus in Swea City in the late 40’s. He also drove school bus for Truman Public Schools in the 60’s and 70’s and still sometimes spoke of the students he so enjoyed. Harold drove cement truck for Bosshart Construction Company in the 70’s and worked for John Deere in Truman in the late 90’s, as well as Fairmont Lawn and Sports for a short time. His longest career was as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service in Truman for 30 years. It seemed that everyone knew him as “their mailman.” Harold is survived by his three sons, Terry (Rebecca) Bentele of Truman, Steven (Barb) Bentele of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Bruce (Jodi) Bentele of Round Lake; seven grandchildren, Robert Bentele of Minnetonka, John Bentele of San Tan Valley, Ariz., Michael Bentele of Rochester, Nick (Sara) Bentele of Sioux Falls, S.D., Noel (Blake) Sunne of Brandon, S.D., Brad (Amanda Cross) Bentele of Columbus, Neb., and Brett Bentele of Brandon, S.D.; four great-grandchildren, Elliott Bentele, Bo Bentele, Elsie Sunne and Griffin Sunne; one step-great-grandson, Jason Zacharias; sister-in-law, Doris Bentele of Hibbing; brother-in-law, Gary (Marilyn) Krumwiede of Madelia; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; one brother; two sisters; grandson, Eric Bentele; and two brothers-in-law.

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