JoAnn Bentley, 74, Twin Valley, MN died Sunday, May 13, 2012, in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley.

JoAnn P. Peterson was born June 21, 1937, the daughter of Olaf and Ruth (Rasmusson) in Faith, MN where she was raised and grew up. JoAnn attended school in Twin Valley, graduating from Twin Valley High School with the class of 1955. On July 24, 1955, JoAnn was united in marriage to Curtis Bentley at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. The couple made their home in Halstad for the first winter, before returning to Twin Valley. JoAnn and Curtis resided at her parents' farm east of Twin Valley where they raised their family and have lived since. JoAnn and Curtis operated a bus service for 41 years, of which JoAnn was a relief driver for Curtis. For five of the 41 years they were in business, JoAnn worked as the full-time driver while Curtis was busy farming and managing Flom Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In the early 2000's, they retired from the busing business. In July of 2011, JoAnn entered the Twin Valley Living Center where she resided to the present time.

JoAnn was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, a past 4-H leader and spent time volunteering at the Valley Pines. Over the years, she enjoyed bowling and a good card game of whist. JoAnn relished the challenge of a remodeling project and would tear into whatever needed to be done. She was known for doing things like removing walls to laying flooring and refinishing furniture. She also enjoyed sewing, making quilts, tending her flower and vegetable gardens and putting up her produce in the fall. JoAnn loved spending time with her friends and family, but truly treasured the memories she made with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

JoAnn is survived by her husband of 56 years, Curtis Bentley, a son, Dean (Sheila) Bentley, a daughter, Denise (Kerry) Askelson all of Twin Valley, MN; a brother, Ronald (Carol) Peterson of Solon Springs, WI; a sister, Myrna (Cheryl) Peterson of Brooklyn, WI; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother and a grandson, Miles Askelson.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Visitation was held Friday, May 18th from 5 to 7 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation was also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Officiating was Pastor Don Walker with Danette Gwinn serving as organist. Special music was provided by Terri Dahlen and Eil Bentley. Pallbearers were Matthew Askelson, Michael Askelson, Mark Askelson, Drew Bentley, Abbey Bentley, Seth Bentley and Eli Bentley.

Burial was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.