Troy Bentlage, a longtime Columbia homebuilder, farmer and Air Force reservist, died after a life that spanned rural Missouri, the West Coast and decades of work in this community. He arrived in Columbia at 16, graduated from Hickman High School and later launched a construction business that shaped neighborhoods and supported a multigenerational family in mid-Missouri.
"A life well lived in faith and family"
From Bates County to Columbia and beyond
Born in Bates County under an elm tree on a hot August day, Bentlage was the eighth of nine children and grew up on his family’s farm. He spent his early adulthood in a variety of jobs and places, including a year at the University of Missouri, a stint with Union Oil in Alaska and a role managing operations at California Electric in San Francisco. He ultimately returned to Columbia, where he met his wife, Joan, and established deep roots.
Business, service and family
With his brother Ervin, Bentlage launched Bentlage Brothers, a construction firm that operated for about five decades. The brothers also raised cattle on a farm in Ashland. Bentlage balanced private enterprise with military service: he served in the Air Force Reserves from 1957 to 1961, and was on active duty during the Berlin Crisis between 1961 and 1963.
- Survived by: wife Joan; children Ken, Dave (Sunny), Margaret (Don)
- Grandchildren: David (Amanda), Troy (Amy), Brett, Blake, Caleb (Hayley), Blaine, Grace, Porter
- Great-grandchildren: seven
- Sibling: brother Charles; plus extended nieces and nephews
Legacy and community support
Family members remember Bentlage as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who emphasized a strong work ethic and was quick to offer advice or help. In later years he and Joan traveled extensively, visiting countries including New Zealand, Australia, Tanzania, Thailand, South America, Canada and Mexico.
The family expressed gratitude to caregivers Karla and Carlis and the Compassus hospice team. In lieu of flowers, they ask that memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Future Farmers of America (FFA).
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Military service | Air Force Reserves, 1957–1961; active 1961–1963 |
| Business | Bentlage Brothers — ~50 years, homebuilding; cattle farm in Ashland |
| Family | Spouse, 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren |
As Columbia continues to grow, the story of a family-run construction business like Bentlage Brothers is part of the city’s fabric — a reminder of the local builders and farmers who shaped neighborhoods and sustained community life. Residents who wish to share condolences or make a donation in memory of Troy can follow the family’s request for gifts to Habitat for Humanity or FFA.
