Bentley DeGeest

Bentley Kayson DeGeest, age 4, was welcomed Home in to the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Bentley was born November 21, 2016 and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a quick yet courageous battle with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. His cancer journey started Feb 1st with a false diagnosis – with mom’s persistence, 3 months later they finally got the referral to the docs in Iowa City and as the tumor was confirmed – very aggressive, doubling in size within a couple of weeks – 6 surgeries in less than a month, he beat the odds and proved everybody wrong through chemo, numerous prods and pokes– he was a true warrior and proudly wore the title of our “One In A Million”

Bentley never knew a stranger and no one was safe from his pranks, especially the nurses and staff on the 11th Floor at the University of Iowa. He enjoyed spending time outside bringing his momma flowers, skateboarding, hiking, and frog hunting with his best friend, Isaiah. …even though Bentley wouldn’t ever really touch the frogs, he loved when Isaiah would catch them so he could see them and MAYBE put a finger on it for a quick second (Isaiah hated touching them too, but would do anything to put a smile on Bentley’s face). He loved saying “poop” and anything associated with poop, like most 4-year-old silly little boys. He loved watching Ryan’s World with his brothers and his stuffed monkey named Jamy. Puppy snuggles were always his favorite – Victory, his 12-week-old puppy from Make A Wish Foundation, was as wild and playful as a puppy could be, but always knew when Bentley needed extra love and cuddles, and Victory would snuggle right up next to Bentley and take a nap with him. One of his favorite things in the world was having his feet rubbed and never wanted his mommy or nana to stop.
Although Bentley’s journey has taken him to Heaven, his story and love for others’ lives on in his goal to make “fewer pokes” for children who battle cancer in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to his mother and will be distributed amongst numerous charities dedicated to childhood cancer research in loving memory of Bentley.

Please follow Bentley’s journey on his Facebook page, “Bentley’s Fight with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma” … as his story is not over yet.

Bentley’s memory will be forever treasured by his momma, Shatiera DeGeest; his brothers, Dodge “Buddy” and Warren “Baby”; great-grandparents, Joyce and Mark DeGeest; grandparents, Teri DeGeest, Matt and Kelly Saville, Tracy Miller and Erik Canada; his favorite four-legged furry friend, Victory - his sweet puppy he was blessed with from the Make-A-Wish Foundation; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; other loving relatives and many special friends.

He was greeted in heaven by his baby sibling (Warren’s twin); uncle and godfather, Trevor Daniels; aunt, Daisha DeGeest; cousin, Noah Shehan; and his great-grandparents, Sharon and Bob Saville. Bentley loved ALL of his family and friends so fiercely, and his legacy will be carried on by all those who were blessed to have known and loved him.

Bentley will finally return to Eternity Church where he loved to join the worship. The family will greet friends from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Eternity Church – Clive Campus, 2000 NW 100th Street. Celebration of Life Services will begin at 6:30 pm at the church, followed by a special balloon release.

The family has requested that all attending wear masks.

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