obit templateheritagefunera2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00
Vernon Clayton
Vernon Clayton
Bentley
-
Memorial Visitation: Friday, September 11, 2026 from 10 am – 12 pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave. New, Berlin 53151)
-
Memorial Service: Friday, September 11, 2026 at 12 pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave. New, Berlin 53151)
Vernon Clayton Bentley
Joined his heavenly Father on August 13th, 2026 at the age of 92.
He was born in Clintonville, WI on May 12th 1934 to Sam and Pauline Bentley, who both preceded him in death. Vern was raised in West Allis, WI.
He married his high school sweetheart, Marguerite “Peggy” Cherney, the love of his life in 1956.
He also loved being a member of the New Berlin Historical Society, encouraging many visitors to their open houses to play their player piano. This earned him the name (and T-shirt) “Piano Man”. He would also hand paint and put up signs around the city to advertise for the events.
Many will miss this loving man, with his gentle nature. He enriched the lives of his family, friends, and anyone he would encounter. He was always up for giving someone a hug, and trying to make them smile.
In his honor, plant a flower, tree, or field of alfalfa. Give someone a hug and make them smile.
In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the New Berlin Historical Society in his name.
His loving spirit lives on.
Vern is survived by his adored daughter, Tammy (Todd Tyler) Bentley, loving son, William (Nicole) Bentley, and cherished granddaughter, Regan Andrus. Also survived by other loving relatives, and friends.
A memorial gathering will take place at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W National Ave, New Berlin, WI 53151) on Friday, September 11, 2026. Memorial visitation from 10-12 with a service to follow at 12 pm.
Note: This obituary is the property of Heritage Funeral Homes and is published here with permission from the family. If you are viewing it on any website other than www.heritagefuneral.com, please be aware it has been copied without consent and may not reflect the most accurate or complete information.
I love the picture! He was such an awesome character, with the best hugs and the most radiant smile that lit up people everywhere. He went. He will definitely be missed! 🤗🙏🙏💕🙏 hubs and prayers to you all, i will definitely plant a tree for him!
Vern was such a great guy. Good sense of humor and very caring. I remember when he had the gas/service station in Greenfield. It was on 84th and Morgan. That was back in 1972. I was in high school. I remember a few times I was short on cash and empty in the tank. He said oh put $20 in and I will put it on a tab. I did that quite a few times and always paid him when I would get my check from working at Meurers Bakery or Flemings A&W restaurant across from the State Fair park on 78th and Greenfield Ave. Some times I would go in to pay my bill and it was already paid. My dad would pay it. I knew I would be in trouble when I got home with my Dad. But Vern always told my dad how I was the first one he paid whenever I got paid. What a great guy. I always looked at his signs on Coffee and Johnson road when I went past. I always enjoyed them. As we were on the same side. You all know what I mean. God Bless you my friend.
Vern was the most caring man I have ever met. He was great friends with my mother in law Arelene and they worked together at the historical society for many years. When her health started to fail he would visit her usually weekly and bring her treats like his homemade candy and egg rolls from the farmers market, which she loved! Im sure she was one of the many souls to welcome him home. He has left his foot print on New Berlin and many friends of all ages. I will miss seeing him on social media at so many different city events and also his yearly Christmas cards that he sent to me. His life was well lived.
Attachment
Dad was a special guy. He could make friends with anyone, and loved to try and put a smile on peoples faces. He liked to live his life his way. He often was not available when I had time, because he had meetings, or going to eat with someone, visiting a friend in a nursing home, “helping a friend”, going up to the historical Society, or going to a farmers market. Since his passing, I am amazed at the number of people that are reaching out and telling me stories of my dad that I wasn’t aware of. The front page article on him in the Waukesha Freeman was quite nice.
He is in a better place and out of his pain, which comforts me.
I think of him and miss him every day. Luckily, there is ALOT of his “Stuff” to remind me of him. (wanna buy a trailer?)
We talked alot, and some of the stories that I heard lately, I had not heard for awhile. When he started them by saying “I don’t know if I told you this or not”… he had not.
Thanks for being a great dad and making me who I am today. Give mom a hug and I will see you again some day. I love you!!!!