Galen Ervin Bengtson

Galen Ervin “Bing” Bengtson, 84, of Cambria, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27 at Randolph Health Services Nursing Home in Randolph, WI.

Bing was born on July 26, 1941, in Ames, Iowa, and was raised in Red Oak, Iowa. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Seabee, completing two tours in Vietnam. Following his military service, he worked as a steamfitter with Local Union 464 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Bing was a man who truly enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Anyone who knew him knew his love for cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. He enjoyed fishing, NASCAR, and, most of all, spending time “shooting the shit” with those he loved. He had a well-known appreciation for the little things that made him smile—like chrome valve caps, overalls, and cowboy boots. Above all, Bing shared a deep and lasting love with his partner of 38 years, Julie Olson.

He is survived by his loving partner, Julie Olson; his brother, Gary Bengtson (Linda); his sister, Karen Miller; his children, Scott Bengtson and Teri Koenig (Mark); and his grandchildren, Jourdan Bengtson (great-grandchild Haven), KC Bengtson, and Presly Gideon (Cole).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Marcella Bengtson; his sister, Jan Bengtson Wescoatt; and his brother-in-law, Don Miller.

Bing will be remembered for his humor, his straightforward nature, and the way he connected with people. He never liked to say goodbye—he always said, “See ya.”

Bing’s ashes will be laid to rest at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (N2666 County Road QQ, King, WI 54946) on Friday, May 29th at 1:00 with military honors. A celebration of Bing’s life will be held in Edgerton, WI on Saturday, May 30, from 3:00-6:00 at Oberg’s Bar (348 Liguori Road, Edgerton, WI 53534); and on Saturday, July 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Keystone Tavern & Grill (7821 Military Ave., Omaha, Nebraska 68134). Please join us to raise a Busch Light in his honor.