Ann Bentz

Bentz, Ann Ronning
Age 88, of Minneapolis, died 12-23-2015. Ann was preceded in death by her devoted parents George and Annie Ronning and by her sister Marjorie. She is survived by Frederick, her husband of 58 years, daughter Mariann (William Burleson) and son John Bentz. Ann was born in Chippewa County, Minnesota in 1927. She attended a one room elementary school beginning at age four and later high school in Benson, Minnesota all the while assisting on the family farm. After high school she spent a summer at Glacier National Park where her sense of adventure and fondness for the outdoors blossomed. Thereafter, she enrolled at a secretarial school in Minneapolis and found employment at the architectural firm of Thorshov and Cerny, where she met Fred Bentz, leading to marriage in May of 1957. When asked by acquaintances if she worked, her quick reply was always "Do you mean outside the home?" After her two children reached the teenage years, Ann became active with many pursuits, working as longtime volunteer for Sister Kenny Institute and later with elementary age students in the Minneapolis Public school system. She also followed Susan B. Anthony's advice that "every woman should have a purse of her own" and held several jobs throughout the years at a hair salon and managing the Eitel Hospital gift shop, always incorporating her personality in working with the public. Ann supported many causes important to her, including the Minnesota Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign, Greenpeace, The Minnesota Orchestra and the University of Minnesota Arboretum, where there is a special bridge dedicated to her parents and sister. There is also a named studio at the University of Minnesota College of Design recognizing Ann and Fred's contributions. Perhaps the most important legacy Ann leaves was her passion for music, movies, and travel, and the ability to quickly engage in discussion on all three. A gathering to celebrate Ann's life will be Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 2:00-5:00 P.M. at BRADSHAW (McDivitt-Hauge), 3131 Minnehaha Avenue South, Minneapolis. The family wishes to thank the staff at Kenwood Retirement Community, Allina Hospice, Lifesprk and Dr. Lubna Shabram for their tender care. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor's choice.