Dave Bentley, age 69, passed away on January 8, 2026 in Cedar Valley Hospice Care within the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa. He was born July 14, 1956,at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, IA, the son of Gordon and Patty (Joerger) Bentley. Dave attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley High School class of 1974. After graduation Dave started working full time in the family car business where he worked in sales at his family owned Bentley Chevrolet of Fairbank. Dave entered in to marriage in October of 1979 with Julie Kaufman and later divorced in 2018. When the family dealership closed in 1986, he continued his career long journey of automobile sales. Dave spent many years working in a variety of General Motors dealerships within the Cedar Valley, most notably Dunlap Motors of Independence, and Community GMC/Buick of Waterloo where he finished out his sales career. His love for automobiles did not stop there, his deep roots in stockcar racing was always his biggest passion. Once an avid dirt track racer himself of the famed #35, ranging from ΒΌ midgets and modifieds to late models all over the state. After his racing career was over, he stayed involved in the sport by being a local race track official for numerous years, until two of his three sons ventured into their own racing adventures, which ultimately took his full attention and guidance along the way. Dave enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether it be celebrating a special occasion or just sitting around watching a NASCAR race on television. Dave loved his family and was a proud parent and grandparent.
Dave is survived by his three sons, Kyle and Klint (Keri) Bentley of Fairbank, Kaleb (Kyla) Bentley of Jesup, 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, his mother Patty of Earlham, a brother Duane ofFairbank, a sister Mary (Joe) College of Earlham, along with 5 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Gordon, a daughter Lou Ann Bentley, and brother-in-law Ron
Little.
Visitation: 4:30-7:00 PM Thursday January 15, 2026 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank
Graveside Services: 10:30 AM Friday January 16, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank
Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.
Lunch will be served at the Fairbank American Legion following the service at the cemetery