Carl S. Bents, 86, of Cumberland, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020.
He was born on January 23rd, 1934 in Almena, Wisconsin to Gerd and Marie (Stelter) Bents. Carl graduated from Cumberland High School in 1951 and later attended Teacher’s College in Rice Lake. In 1957, he married Sharon (O’Brien) Bents. Together, they purchased The Tower House restaurant, which was family-owned for 40 years. Carl worked at a car garage, a cafe, and for Lincoln-Mercury. He built 2 new apartment buildings in Cumberland, sold insurance, pedaled milk, had a chicken farm, and made and delivered pizzas. Carl also owned and operated The Village Square, Grouchy’s Office, and Rolling Oaks. Carl’s most recent business endeavor began in 1997 when he built and operated Das Lach Haus, where he enjoyed holding various events, socializing with community members and bringing people together.
Carl humbly supported many families and organizations over the years. His generosity goes beyond our wildest imaginations, as he never wanted to “toot his own horn” and would not allow others to toot it for him. Carl truly loved the City of Cumberland and giving back to his community, where he was honored to serve as mayor.
Carl is survived by his 4 children, Lori Bents, Kim (Rick) Henck, Todd Bents and Shannon Bents, and the mother of his children, Sharon Bents. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Bryan, Blake, Mandy, Neeley, Courtney, Ashley, Dani, and 7 great-grandchildren (with an 8th on the way), all of whom he adored and was so very proud of, 2 sisters, Marie and Alma, along with many other nieces, nephews and friends. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, 15 loving siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
Carl will always be remembered by his family and friends as a kind-hearted, generous, loving grouch who always responded to “how are you” with “mean, ornery, same as yesterday” and the typical “Carl grin.”
A public celebration of life will be held at Das Lach Haus on Sunday, November 15th, 2020 from 1 - 4 pm.