Fradie Bentley

Fradie Bentley, age 104, of Twin Valley, MN, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, as a resident of the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN. Fradie Evelyn Skaurud was born October 7, 1907, the eighth of ten children of Fred and Eliza (Erickson) Skaurud on the Skaurud homestead west of Twin Valley. In her early years she attended Coon Creek rural school, where she graduated from the eighth grade. Fradie later spent some time working for a family in Washington State; as a cook at the hospital in Northwood, ND and in local restaurants; as well as helping, when needed, at various relatives’ homes in the Twin Valley-Ada area. Fradie was united in marriage to Oris W. Bentley on July 7, 1934, at the West Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley. They lived on a farm east of Twin Valley, where she was a member of the homemakers club, until they moved into Twin Valley in 1948. Fradie was very active in Zion Lutheran Church, a faithful member of the Ladies Aid (ELCW) and Circles sang in various choirs and small groups for well over 50 years, and taught Sunday and Wednesday School classes for many years. Oris died in 1986, and Fradie continued to live in her home until at the age of 99, she entered the Twin Valley Living Center. In 2011, Fradie was truly honored when asked to be a part of Twin Valley’s 125th Anniversary parade where she was recognized as the oldest resident of the town. Fradie is survived by three children: Ordean (Bernadene) Bentley of Twin, Cleone (Steve) Proehl of Mankato, MN and LuAnn (Lowell) Thompson of Ada, MN. Also surviving are five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. As the last surviving member of her family, she was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and four brothers. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 21st, at 2:00 PM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Visitation will be Friday, April 20th, from 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation will also be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Officiating will be Pastor Don Walker with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Trisha Thompson, Jane Purrington, Stephanie Knutson and Daniel Bentley providing special music. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Dawn Bentley, Daniel Bentley, Nathan Thompson, Tricia Thompson, Jarod Bogenrief, Cassie Bogenrief, Darrick Bogenrief, Michelle Proehl and David Proehl. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandchildren, Jenna Bentley, Ethan Bentley, Braden Thompson, Zander Thompson, Zach Lopez, Claire Bogenrief and Cate Bogenrief. Interment will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.

Fradie Bentley

October 7, 1907 - April 18, 2012