Bently H. Kriewald, age 52, passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2018. Bently, known for his warm spirit and generous nature, is survived by his wife, Catie Kriewald, and his three sons, Nick A. Kriewald, Nathan R. Kriewald, and Bently T. Kriewald. He is also remembered by his parents, Anne and Gerald James Kriewald, his siblings Danny Kriewald, Bonnie Kriewald, and Jerry Kriewald, along with numerous relatives and cherished friends. Bently was predeceased by his first wife, Barb L. Kriewald.
Those who knew Bently understood his aversion to formal farewells like obituaries. In true Bently fashion, he would have preferred a gathering, a celebration of life filled with laughter and camaraderie. Imagine walking into Bently’s home, instantly offered a fine wine or a cold beer. Bently would be in the kitchen, orchestrating a delicious meal, while encouraging everyone to enjoy the appetizers he had meticulously arranged. As he cooked, Bently would glance at his gathered loved ones, his smile radiating the love, pride, and sheer joy he found in their company.
Dinner conversations with Bently were always engaging. He was humble about his culinary talents, deflecting praise by launching into captivating stories of his motorcycle adventures on his beloved BMW bikes. Bently’s evenings often concluded with him crafting the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail, customized to each guest’s preference, followed by a friendly game of cribbage, and shared memories of past escapades and dreams of future ones.
Bently truly shone as a host, possessing an innate talent for hospitality, yet he always remained comfortably out of the spotlight. This characteristic made him an exceptional hotel general manager. Bently was a dedicated behind-the-scenes leader who worked tirelessly, ensuring his work colleagues became an extension of his family.
Adventure coursed through Bently’s veins. He lived unbound by rigid rules, embracing passions like motorcycle riding, skiing, and exploring new places through travel. Above all else, Bently’s world revolved around his three sons and his wife. They were the center of his universe, his greatest joy, and the driving force behind his vibrant life.
It’s important to remember that Bently, like all of us, was not without imperfections. Mental health and depression are serious battles, often fought in silence. Bently’s family encourages anyone struggling with depression, or anyone who knows someone who is, to reach out for help, to speak openly, and to help break the stigma surrounding mental health. Resources are available, such as the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or by calling 1-800-273-Talk.
A memorial service to honor Bently’s life is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 5pm-7pm at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, MN, with a Time of Sharing at 6pm. Continuing the celebration, just as Bently would have wished, will be held at Cyndi and Frank Sommerfeldt’s home at 9643 Joliet Ave. N. Stillwater, MN, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Bently’s name to support his family. Contributions can be made via PayPal by searching [email protected] or through Venmo by searching the username catiekriewald.
