Dale Bentley:  A Life of Preserving Prairie Places

To the Editor:

North Dakota has lost one if its most passionate residents.  Dale Bentley died March 29, after a very long and hard battle with multiple health issues.  Dale was a colleague in the nonprofit world, and a person I greatly admired.
A large North Dakota map was posted on the wall just outside Dale Bentley’s home office.  Push pins, indicating communities or churches he visited nearly completely filled the map.  It was a colorful yet very clear picture of Dale’s life. Hired as Executive Director of Preservation North Dakota in March, 2002, Bentley’s job was not only integrated into his home, but his life.  Dale lived his job, and the primary focus of his job was assisting grassroots groups working on preservation of community buildings, most notably churches.
He traveled North Dakota constantly, and viewed the organization’s outreach program as the primary success of Preservation North Dakota. “If someone calls and asks for assistance,” he said,  “we will drive anywhere in North Dakota to help.  To me, this is the heart of Preservation North Dakota.  If the funding is ever not there to do that, I’m not sure I would want to continue in the job. Obtaining the funds to provide small grassroots grants to support the work of these groups was a very proud moment for me.”
Preservation North Dakota, under Dale’s leadership, created Prairie Churches, a very successful project that began with an amazing volunteer effort that documented the 2,200 churches within the state. The project supports local efforts to preserve the church buildings through technical assistance and a small grants program.
Passionate about the Prairie Churches project, Bentley had many stories from across the state, of groups and individuals who invest time and energy to preserve their church. He spoke to me of one defining moment: “It was early 2003, and I was returning from a work day in Plaza, North Dakota.  I had such a sense of accomplishment from that experience. People who worked that day ranged in age from 14-92. The local hardware store closed to help, yet opened to obtain any necessary supplies. Great food was prepared and served by residents, and the City Council not only endorsed the project, they also came out to help. I realized then, this is why I do this work.”
Dale had many stories of community commitment and success. When I asked him if all the North Dakota churches could be saved, he responded, “No, and it only happens if people are committed. Often it only takes one person to save a church. We have already lost some; however, we will work with all those who want to preserve their church.”  He continued, “This project redefines success, it is not about flash, or about religion; it is about preserving community in a way that means something to people.”
Dale Bentley was a man who lived his life with the North Dakota combination of grit, honesty, and amazing grace. He incorporated his life into his work to preserve a significant piece of our history. His passion was infectious and his commitment significant.  He lives on through the many projects he assisted across the state.

-Cher Hersrud
Fargo