Service Details
Services celebrating Daniel’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 12:00PM with Father Craig Richter as officiant. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00AM until the service. Private inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Racine.
Daniel Edward Bentz, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center.
Daniel was born on December 30, 1938 to the late Clifford P. and Leona (Lui) Bentz. He was the ninth of their eleven children (six boys and five girls). Daniel was a lifelong resident of Racine, WI. Daniel attended Holy Name Grade School and was a proud graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, Class of 1958. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1970 with a Master’s degree in Urban Education. On June 6, 1964, Daniel married the love of his life, Judith A. Schuppe.
Daniel was employed as a 6th-grade teacher with Racine Unified School District for 34 years. He taught disadvantaged summer school children for 31 of these 34 years. He also coached basketball and softball in the middle schools. While at St. Catherine’s, he was an outstanding athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He was even honored with local, state, and national awards for his football skills. As an athlete, Daniel was the first nine-letter recipient to graduate from St. Catherine’s. In 1999, the school inducted him into its Hall of Fame. Daniel’s other interests included gardening, canning, family, camera club, volunteering, golf, and helping those in need. His favorite movie was: It’s A Wonderful Life. Daniel will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He truly believed he had a wonderful life.
Left to remember Daniel’s “Wonderful Life” as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend are his loving wife of 61 years, Judy; children, Kristin Oesau (Dan) of Crystal Lake, IL, Beck Bentz of Racine, WI; grandchildren, Erika and Nicolas Oesau of Crystal Lake, IL; brothers, Clifford R. Bentz (Dorothy) of Tucson, AZ, Thomas D. Bentz (Marie) of Alma, WI; sisters, Kathleen Panyk (Roger) of Racine, WI and Linda Hempel (Tom) of Spokane, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford P. and Leona Bentz; sisters, Shirlie Dallmann/Longmore (Earl/Don), Doris A. Mack (Keith), Mary Jane Schwarm (Sherwood); and brothers, John E. Bentz (Barb) of Panama City, FL, Peter W. Bentz of Denver, CO, and Ronald Bentz (Sheila) of Racine, WI.
Chris and Sue Gorman says
We are keeping your family in our prayers. Dan was such a wonderful man.
Terry and Suzann Toll says
Judy and family. Suzann and I are sorry for your loss of Dan. He will be deeply missed at the Monday Alumni (Animal) House luncheons. We always had a good time and shared many laughs. RIP Dan.
Anonymous says
Dan was such a wonderful gentleman. I worked with him at Starbuck MS for many years. I always looked forward to his great smile in the morning and throughout the day. My deepest sympathy and prayers for Dan’s family. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Kathy Opahle.
Jeanne Radke says
Dan was an outstanding and impactful teacher and example for young people. Our children attended Mitchell and were so fortunate to have him in their formative years. Our deepest sympathy.
Stephen Jaskulske says
Dan’s dedication to teaching was an inspiration and an example to others in education. It was a joy to work alongside him and admire his work. He was a part of a great team of teachers at Mitchell Middle School that loved to teach young people.
Renee Thomas-James says
Mr Bentz is one of my all time favorite teachers. He was my teacher at Mitchell 40 years ago and had a positive impact on my life. I remember he was really nice, patient, and funny! He told us to memorize helping verbs and till this day I still remember have has had do does did be been being am are was were. And his word gazenta. 5 gazenta 10 how many times lol! I will never forget him and I am grateful he was my teacher! Rest in peace Mr. Bentz
Cynthia Dismuke says
Beck, you and your family have my sincerest condolences. I pray for your strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Anonymous says
Dan was a great and generous person. Had so much fun with him over the years when I first met him at St. Cat’s! Big loss to the Racine community.
Jim may says
A great man! He will be missed by many! Our condolences to Judy and his extended family.
Jim and Carol
Susan LaCanne says
Mr Benz was my very favorite teacher. The year I had him for 6th grade (1976) was a difficult year for my family, and he was supportive and kind. Art was my favorite subject and I remember each art project he gave us, and have stolen some for my own use today as an art teacher. This was also the year that the teachers at Racine Unified went on strike and I saw a photo of him in the newspaper being removed from the picket line by police. That photo of a man standing for what he believed left such an impression on me. Rest in peace knowing you made an impact on so many lives! Prayers to you and your family.
Laura Lee Dominguese says
So sad to see Dan passed. So glad I got to be his mail lady for 18 years. My thoughts are with the family. ❤️
Mark and Pam Mano says
Pam and I would visit Dan once a week for the last 6 months. Brought him communion. We would talk about old times and our Monday get togethers at the Alumni House. We will keep him and his family in our prayers. Such a nice person
Mark Robert Bentz says
What a great man! He was a great role model, and I will proudly dedicate my remaining years of teaching to his memory.
Lloyd Tremmel says
Dan was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. He was a true gentleman. I’ll miss him tremendously. His passing was a tough and very long haul. I do feel better that his ordeal is finally over and he is at rest. Prayers and blessings to Judy and all of the rest of his family.
Cheryl Miller says
It seems fitting that Wadewitz students from the 70’s will have a reunion Saturday evening so we can celebrate Mr. Bentz a second time that day. So many former students have shared that he was a favorite teacher no matter where he worked. He was a gift to students AND teachers. We admired his creativity, kindness, and patience! For the past couple of years, Dan joined several of his Wadewitz teacher friends for breakfast once a month, and we could count on his big smile and sense of humor at each gathering. Judy an d family, I truly believe Dan knew how to create so many families during his life, and those of us in education were thrilled to be one of them. He made a difference! It’s hard to say good-bye.
Felicia M. Kelley says
Dan was always kind and caring with everyone. A friend who was one of a kind.
He was a special friend to us especially my late husband Jack Kelley who always
lent Dan a helping hand when needed.. He will be missed by many.
My prayers to Judy and the family.
🙏💞🙏 RIP
John Ketarkus says
Danny Bentz had an infectious smile and a generous heart. He was open minded, and willing to try. We have lost a friend, but will keep him in our memory… and that will have to be enough.
Scott @ Mary Netzinger says
my Uncle Dan,a Father figure in my life,always compassionate,caring,person,will always be remembered for his kind words, and inspiration he brought on to others,as well as myself,will be missed❤️
Ron and Kathy Janaky says
Dan was one of the good guys. We had lots of good times in Highschool. We were sad to hear of his passing. Our condolences to you Judy, and your family. Take care Judy, and know that he is in good hands now. He was loved and admired by many.
Cheryl Garrity says
Judy and family,
My deepest and sincerest sympathies to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Dan was a wonderful and kind man. Cherish all of your memories.