John Bent

Madison – John Mitchell Bent, age 92, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Milestone Senior Living in Cross Plains. He was born on November 22, 1929, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Ambrose McCarthy and Dr. Xenna Pearl Bent.  He married Betty Courts on May 19, 1956, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison.

After graduation from Benton High School in 1948, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and, after discharge, worked in several lead mines in the Benton area. Following his mother's death in 1952, John moved to Madison, WI. There, he met his future wife, Betty, and they were married on May 19, 1956, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison.

He began a 40-year career with Bancroft Dairy, starting as a home delivery milkman, moved into wholesale delivery, then drove a semi cross-country for seven years. After "retirement" from the dairy, John did maintenance for U.W. student housing with Rouse Management for seven years.

When not working at the dairy, John was always busy. He spent time doing odd jobs around the house. He also enjoyed fish fries, bowling, visiting casinos, playing Euchre and horseshoes, and painting with Bob Ross on Saturday afternoons. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.  John loved camping and the outdoors. He earned his Eagle Scout badge while in high school, and continued to use his skills throughout life. He, Betty, and three children enjoyed many camping trips from East to West coast, and northern Wisconsin many times.

After retirement, he and Betty continued traveling throughout the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska.  They also ventured overseas to Europe, and New Zealand. With all John's travels, his two favorite places on earth were Canada and Benton WI. John went on numerous "guy" trips to Canada, in addition to several trips with his family.  He frequently spoke of going back one day.

Benton was another destination that he visited frequently and spoke of often.  He made many trips back to his hometown on labor day weekends and reunions.  The first stop when arriving into Benton was his family-owned bar, McCarthy's.  Word spread around town quickly when John arrived, and before you knew it, the bar was filled with friends and relatives to share drinks and memories of the past.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Bent; his daughters, Deb (Larry) Thiemann and Linda (Greg) Lagan; grandchildren, Jenna (Connor) Peters, Lucas Lagan, Dustin Acker; and great-grandson, Cohen Peters; sister, Betty (Jim) Martin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Steve Bent, brothers, Joe, Eugene, and Frank McCarthy, a sister, Kathleen Becker, and a special nephew, David Martin.

John was a fun-loving, good-natured man, a "good guy" as most would describe him.

He was a man of few words, even in his younger years.  As his health declined, communication became more difficult.  But when family visited, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild, his face would light up, and a "twinkle" would appear in his blue Irish eyes.

We will forever love you.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, from 10:00 am until the time of service. The memorial service will also be live-streamed via the following link: event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=2c65ffaf-edf8-46e4-9f3d-bd3d7c5740bf

John's family would like to thank Milestone Senior Living, Sheryl Castillo, and Agrace HospiceCare for all the wonderful care he received.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Benton Community Fund, P.O. Box 253, Benton, WI 53803, or Save the Red Church at Benton State Bank, 42 West Main Street, P.O. box 27 Benton, WI 53803.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434