It is with great sadness that the family of Joan Sidie Bentzen announces her passing on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Joan Sidie Bentzen was born on September 19, 1932, in Payette, Idaho, to Lawrence D. Sidie and Verna Thiel Sidie.

Joan graduated from Grinnell High School in 1950. Following graduation, she attended Grinnell College for one year and then transferred to Cedar Rapids Nursing School, where she completed two years of her nursing education. One day, as Joan was studying with a friend, she peered out of her dorm window and spotted a shiny red convertible Oldsmobile parked on the street and exclaimed, “I’m going to marry the man driving that car!” Unbeknownst to Joan, the owner of the red Oldsmobile had his eyes on her as well. When he saw her in the cafeteria at the college, he would graciously hand her a carton of milk, as a gentleman would, but mischievously poke a hole in the bottom of the carton to get her attention. This man asked her on a date, and she said yes. When he pulled up to her dormitory, lo and behold, Jim Bentzen was driving the red convertible! These two lovebirds were married in a Methodist church in Grinnell, Iowa, on June 11, 1952. Jim then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and the two of them lived in Florida for a short time, where Joan learned to water ski with the alligators. The Air Force later transferred the couple to College Station, Texas, where Jim flew airplanes and taught pilot school while Joan stayed home caring for their one-year-old son, Scott.

To great dismay, tragedy struck the young couple after two years of marriage. Jim contracted all three types of polio in Texas and was hospitalized in an iron lung with a life expectancy of six months. They were sent to a VA hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, where Jim pleaded with the doctors for a chance to live independently with Joan’s help. Their request was granted, and Joan’s incredible nursing skills were put into action. Her unwavering belief and “can-do” attitude, despite numerous adversities and challenges, gave the couple a fair chance at a normal life beyond the hospital. She led the charge of proving to the VA doctors that she could independently care for her husband without assistance. Jim and Joan left Omaha with the support of their parents and the Homer Scott Sr. family. They returned to Sheridan and built their forever home. Joan was a true champion of her commitment to marriage. She modeled determination, faith, love, and dedication, and never gave up. Joan persevered and kept Jim alive for 52 out of their total 54 years of marriage. She was a true warrior, displaying continuous grit, resilience, courage, selflessness, and integrity. She modeled these traits with dignity and, in doing so, passed on these values to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joan was an active member of the Daughters of the Nile, where she served as Queen in 1978. She was a 50-year member of Chapter T P.E.O. and was president in 1986, when she also had the honor of initiating her daughter, Pamela, into the chapter. Joan was also a member of Eastern Star and Beta Sigma Phi. She volunteered at the Red Door and hosted many church meetings for Jim when he was on the vestry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Joan and Jim worked tirelessly for the American Legion. They were instrumental in resurrecting the eagle monument that currently stands on Sheridan Courthouse Hill. Serving one’s country was at the forefront of their marriage, and they wanted something in Sheridan to represent all those who had given their lives for freedom. Joan was also a talented seamstress and quilter and loved collecting Hummels. She was the driver of three motor homes, and her CB radio trucker handle was “Sweet Pea.” The truckers on the highway had her back! They let her know when there were no “bears” and she could put the pedal to the metal. Jim and Joan’s first motor home was named “BARK” for “Bentzen’s Ark.” Joan drove Jim and the family through most of the states west of the Mississippi. They loved venturing to different places and catching up with friends and relatives. They also loved traveling to all of Pamela’s basketball games in high school and college. Joan made sure that she and her husband never missed a game. They also traveled for baseball and Ironman events for their son, Scott.

Whenever the family faced a mishap or crisis with the motor home, Joan tackled it with resourcefulness and determination, ensuring the family’s safety. Twice, Joan stood out on the highway with her thumb in the air, trying to catch a ride to the nearest town to seek help due to stripped lug nuts on the motor home. Joan and Jim strived to live a normal life like everyone else, and Joan was the prime mover and motivator for the family. The Bentzen family would not have existed without Joan’s tenacious attitude and unyielding commitment. Joan had grit and determination, and you will never find another woman like her. A dear family friend, Sarah F. Cook, wrote a book about Joan and Jim titled Moving Mountains: A Story of Marriage, Faith, and Beating a Contagion. One of the most profound quotes in the book that Jim expressed about his bride stated, “ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD AND JOAN.” Thank you, Mom!

We agree with Dad and are forever grateful.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years; her father, Lawrence D. Sidie; her stepmother, Bernice; and her brother, Don. She is survived by her son, Scott; her daughter, Pamela (Gene); her grandchildren, Bren, Austin (Miranda), Kayla (Lucas), and Aaron; and her four great-grandsons, James, Weston, Jordy, and Dax. She also leaves behind her three nieces and one nephew.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., with a reception to follow at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the Daughters of the Nile or to Rotary for Polio.

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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