Simon John Bentzinger, age 13, entered into the Kingdom of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 02, 2023, at his home in Sutter, Illinois, while holding the hands of his parents.  Simon was born on December 13, 2009, to Mark and Jaime (Lowman) Bentzinger of Sutter, Illinois.  Simon was a student at Nauvoo Jr. High School in Nauvoo, Illinois, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Warsaw, Illinois.

Simon fought a challenging battle with cancer for 3 ½ years before succumbing to his illness.  He often did this with a smile on his face and a quick-witted comment.  Even though Simon’s battle with cancer was never easy, he was beyond blessed.  He was sent to Seattle, Washington for a new treatment study, but was able to make the most of his time there (during his downtime from treatment) with his parents by looking for Sasquatch and placing his chewing gum on the Gum Wall.  Make a Wish Foundation gifted Simon an amazing “Game Room” equipped with everything a teenager could possibly want, including a mini-fridge.  Kelsie’s Hope Foundation granted Simon and his family a wonderful vacation to Disney World in Florida, where they stayed at the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser.  A dear family friend, Travis Conover of Top Dogg Production, offered his Sound and Light Show at a “Just Because We Can” party so that Simon could see if he had any DJ skills.  His friends at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Nauvoo, Illinois not only prayed for him daily, but gave him a birthday party with a substantial gift card as a present.  They also dedicated the Living Rosary to him since he was considered “one of their own.”  Simon’s happy place was at home with his family, either swimming (since he was a fish in water) or eating anything flaming hot!  He loved collecting Pokémon cards, watching Star Wars and playing Play Nine.  Simon had a unique sense of humor, which would either leave you laughing, or shaking your head in disbelief.

He is survived by his parents of Sutter, Illinois and his brother, Logan Bentzinger (Fiancé Ashley Zimmerman) of Quincy, Illinois.  Grandparents:  Vickie Bentzinger of Warsaw, Illlinois; Kevin and Vickie Maag of Warsaw, Illinois.  Great Grandfather, Ron Maag of Warsaw, Illinois; Uncles:  Douglas (Jennifer) Bentzinger of Dunfermline, Illinois; Jordan (Megan) Maag of Wever, Iowa; Aunts:  Danielle (Andrew) Horras of Collinsville, Illinois; Stacie (Mike) Payne of Carthage, Illinois.  Cousins:  Adrienne (Grant) Murphy of Des Moines, Iowa; Kelsey and Isabella Bentzinger of Dunfermline, Illinois; Alexis (Alexander) Ruhe of Atlanta, Illinois; Addyson, Dayton and Dominic Horras, all of Collinsville, Illinois; Eric and Gunner Payne of Carthage, Illinois; and Ainsley, Briley and Chailey Maag, all of Wever, Iowa.  Simon is also survived by numerous Great Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, as well as his beloved Ramirez family of St. Joseph, Missouri, his very best friend, Jasper Harmon of Warsaw, Illinois, and his honorary brother Bryce Heiden of Quincy, Illinois.

Simon was preceded in death by his Grandfathers, Robert Bentzinger and James Lowman, as well as two cousins, Bryce and Issac Bentzinger.

Simon was a special kid who, during his short life, touched and inspired the lives of so many people.  The Bentzinger family would like to express their sincere gratitude to those who prayed continuously, called, brought meals, sent cards and gifts, sent Pokémon cards, and visited.  They are humbled by the number of people (from coast to coast) who regularly reached out in some form or another.  Thank you to their amazing Presbyterian Church family for all they did.  Thank you to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, whose team of Doctors and Nurses fought this fight with Simon, and to Blessing Hospice for being with Simon and his family until the end.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Warsaw High School in Warsaw, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the school from 10 am to 2 pm directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Mark Bentzinger for expenses and an established memorial.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.