Lois Bentley Obituary

Lois Joy Bentley, age 89, passed away on July 15, 2025.

Lois was born January 20, 1936 in Oakfield, WI the daughter of Constantinous “Gust” and Helen Burleton Gainacopulos. Lois was a graduate of Fond du Lac Sr. High School and on April 28, 1956 she married Robert M. Bentley at Evangelical United Brethern Church in Fond du Lac. Following their marriage they resided in Waupun most of their married lives and spent many winters at their residence in The Villages, Florida. Lois was an avid pie maker and quilter. She was most generous with her time when someone was in need of a lift in spirit. Lois’ outgoing, bubbly outlook and humor was enjoyed by many. Her opinion and standards were not hard to understand as she had the knack of making her point clear, even if it hurt. She was proud of her Greek heritage and was known by many as “The Greek” or the “Shopper,” of which she was proficient while raising her children. Throughout her years of employment she was employed by the City of Fond du Lac as a clerk, CESA 6, Waupun United Methodist Church as secretary, Ben Franklin, and became the first woman correctional officer for the Department of Corrections. She then worked at Fond du Lac County Juvenile Intake Office and retired in 1996 as a secretary-Fond du Lac County Executive. She loved being with her grandchildren, watching them participate in sports and teaching them how to make pies and baking. Lois was a member of Waupun United Methodist Church.

Lois is survived by her children: Cynthia (Bill) Vanderkin of Leesburg, FL, Randall (Kris) Bentley of Waupun, and Melissa (Chuck) Vande Zande of Waupun; son-in-law, Troy (Missy) Schwenn of Naples, FL; five grandchildren: Amanda (Abe) Lemmenes, Wade (Kayleigh) Bentley, Haley Schwenn (Jake Wiese), Hannah Schwenn (Colin Holz), and Allison Schwenn (Joe Karolewicz); three great-grandchildren: Grahm, Kash, and Elzy Lemmenes; brother, Dr. Kay (Gus) Gainacopulos of The Villages, FL; and nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Bentley; daughter, Melinda Schwenn; and sister-in-law, Irina Gainacopulos.

Memorial Service for Lois Bentley will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 5 p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun with Rev. Renae Dymond officiating. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home on Monday, July 21st, 2025 from 3-5 p.m.