David George Bentley

April 23, 1953 – April 28, 2023

David George Bentley, 70, of Lake Bluff passed away peacefully on April 28, 2023. Born on April 23, 1953, at Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago to George and Irene Bentley.

Dave grew up in Prospect Heights, IL, attending Wheeling High School, where he played football freshman and sophomore years and wrestling his junior year. But mostly, he was interested in music and playing saxophone in the Marching Band, which he did all 4 years of high school. After graduating from Wheeling, Dave attended Harper Junior College until enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served 4 years in the Navy, earning an honorable discharge. His Navy experience led to his employment at FedEx as a communications technician, which served him well. He was at FedEx for 21 years.

Once retired, he wanted to finish school, so he enrolled in North Park College to obtain his Bachelor of Arts degree. Dave wanted to teach, so he furthered his education at Northeastern Illinois University, earning a Master’s in Special Education in 2007. He was offered a position at Waukegan High School as a Special ED teacher and relished the job. He was happy there until budget cuts years later forced Waukegan to reduce staff.

Dave was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lake Bluff & Lake Forest for 10 years, joining the club in 2002. He proudly volunteered his time to Serve the Children and held the position of president twice. Many referred to him as “Emperor Dave” as he provided great direction for the club. The club continues to hold an annual beach party which Dave’s implemented to build stronger community amongst the members. He treasured the friendship making some of the best friends of his life. 

Dave was always ready with a laugh or a smile. He didn’t mind making jokes at his own expense either…he probably laughed hardest at those. He loved animals and often took in stray dogs and cats to give them a home, at times having 3 or 4 at a time. They often were not very good house guests, but he loved them just the same. He liked watching sports and opted to buy season tickets for the Chicago Bulls 1 year before they drafted Michael Jordan. His timing couldn’t have been better. He scored some good seats at the old stadium: first balcony, second row. Two years later those seats skyrocketed in value, and everyone wanted to be invited to the game with Dave. His love of music lasted into his later years, listening to or watching jazz bands online. He also made time to write, direct, and star in his own cable TV show: One Man’s Journey to Better Health. Interviewing local coaches, athletic trainers, dietitians, and various experts to help him and others lead a more healthful life.

Dave will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his self-deprecating humor, his love of camaraderie, and his kind heart. He’ll be missed by many. 

Memorial contributions can be made in loving memory of David Bentley to the

Kiwanis Foundation of Lake Bluff & Lake Forest, PO Box 34, Lake Bluff, IL 60944.

This is an exciting time for the Kiwanis Lake Bluff and Lake Forest club has been serving our community for 100 years.

We have started our 100/100/100 campaign. We are asking 100 businesses and individuals to donate $100 to celebrate our 100 years of Serving the Children. If you are interested in donating: click here.

One of our current projects is the Kiwanis Childcare Grant at the College of Lake County. The college monitors the program issuing student grants to cover the cost of childcare at the college while the students is attending classes.

We are honored to be this year’s 2023 Lake Bluff’s 4th of July Parade Marshall.

Enjoy piping hot pancakes and sausage at the Lake Bluff Park District and Kiwanis Club of Lake Bluff/Lake Forest for their beloved tradition of Breakfast with Santa! This fun family event is one not to be missed. Even Mrs. Claus will be joining us!

Enjoy taking photos, festive fare, and holiday cheer as you enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Grace United Methodist Church, 244 E. Center Ave., Lake Bluff.

In order to be COVID conscious, pre-registration is recommended as space is limited based on entry time. Register online at LakeBluffParks.org or scan the QR code. Advance tickets are $10 per person, free under 3 years old, or $12 at the door. 

Interested in learning more? Visit KiwanisLBLF.org to get the inside scoop about the club, projects, and charitable organizations they support.

The Kiwanis Foundation of Lake Bluff & Lake Forest recently donated $10,000 to Keeping Families Covered (www.keepingfamiliescovered.org), an

organization in Waukegan that provides diapers andother basic needs to children and families. The

organization, begun in 2010, holds regular distribution events in Gurnee, Grayslake, Waukegan, Highwood,

Kenosha, and Round Lake Park. In addition to diapers,Keeping Families Covered also provides menstrual

supplies, maternity and children’s clothing, baby care equipment, formula, and children’s books.

Kiwanis’ support, to be continued in upcoming years, will help in dispensing diapers directly to families in the Highwood area once a month.

The local Lake Bluff Lake Forest Kiwanis service club helped to clean up the parks in Lake Bluff as their service project for the 125+1 Lake Bluff birthday party. Even though the parks were already rather clean, the Kiwanis were happy to lend a hand and see the community enjoying socializing once again. Click the picture to see more! Kiwanis serve the children of the world with their service projects and are looking for new members. Please contact us!

March 15^th marks 98 years that the Kiwanis Club of Lake Bluff & Lake Forest has been serving our communities. As part of a global organization established in 1915, the mission of Kiwanis is to “Serve the Children of the World.” That motto continues to be the backbone of the  23 member club, made up of area men and women.  

The Club donates to more than 20 charities in Lake Bluff, Lake Forest and Lake County that serve the needs of children.  In addition, Kiwanis  selects a major project annually for organizations in the community. As an example, several weeks ago the Club donated $14,000 to provide the Children’s Department at the Lake Bluff Library with needed technology upgrades for media components such as new laptops, iPad’s, headphones, STEAM/STEM kits and pre-loaded tablets.  

With a lessening of the impact of COVID-19, the Club is looking forward to being with the community again on the Fourth of July with its 48^th Pancake Breakfast.  If you are interested in Kiwanis, please visit us at www.KiwanisLBLF.org.

On December 4th, Kiwanis Lake Bluff/Lake Forest Club members, rang the Salvation Bell at the Jewel-Osco in Lake Forest over 6 hours. The funds raise will be used both serving needy families this season of the year as well as serving some 30 children who attend regularly in our weekly music and character building programs.

Congratulations to David R. Lee for receiving the prestigious Dr. Luis V. Amador Medallion Award on behalf of the Kiwanis Clubs of Division 7 which include nine clubs in Lake County.  This award extends special recognition and honor to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service within the community.

David was presented the award and medallion at the Club’s October 1 Kiwanis meeting by Division Lt. Governor Dale Hale.  A contribution of $500 was also made in David’s name to an endowment fund with the Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation.

David became a Kiwanis member in 1997 and has been the President of the Lake Bluff & Lake Forest Club for the past six years.  He continually promotes Kiwanis and his passion to support the needs of children.  His leadership encourages team effort by truly listening and encouraging all to share and contribute in the process.

Our Lake Bluff & Lake Forest Club has been in existence for 98 years and was one of the first clubs in the State of Illinois.  To learn more about Kiwanis’ contributions to the community, visit our website at www.kiwanislblf.org.