Larry Bentz, 49

“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 5:8 ESV

On Dec. 24, 2015, Larry Vaughn Bentz, 49, went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ to help Him celebrate His Birthday.

Larry lived in Spokane, Wash., when he left us. Larry graduated from Lakeland High School and attended North Idaho College. He was the general manager at Troy’s Tire and Automotive in Spokane. Larry was involved in the automotive business most of his life.

He enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially pheasant hunting in North Dakota where his parents were raised. He had a great passion for football and was very competitive with his friends in a fantasy football league. Larry also loved NASCAR racing and had gone to many races throughout his life. In the past few years, Larry loved to spend much time riding his Harley Davidson with his son and his friends. He always like to say “It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, when God decides it’s my time, then it’s my time.”

Although his death was very sudden and unexpected for us all, we feel Jesus needed Larry for a greater plan.

Larry loved the Lord, family, friends and his country very deeply. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for almost six years and was a true patriot.

He leaves behind his son and best friend, Ryan C. Bentz; Ryan’s fiancée Megan Martin and their 1-year-old daughter, Avery Kaye, who brought him more joy than anything in the world. She truly was the light of his life. Also his parents, Ernest and Rose Bentz of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; his brother, Richard D. Bentz; sister-in-law Bernadette; nephews Liam and Andy; as well as his sister, Heather (Bentz) Rigby, brother-in-law Richard Rigby, their daughter Christina Rose and son Donald in Newnan, Ga. He also had many aunts and uncles including a special aunt Lillian and uncle Lawrence Bentz of Rathdrum, Idaho.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. 9485 Maple St., Hayden, ID 83835.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Larry’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.