Paul Bentrup is the steward of a place called Charlies Ruts. They are located three miles west of Deerfield, Kansas on the north side of US 50. At this location there is a pullout to a Kansas Historical Sign and a place to get out of the car and walk in the ruts and see just what they are like. The mail box at the location has information about other Santa Fe Trail sites and other area places to see. But most important about this site is;
"Don't forget to sign the Guest Book"!!

     He was born Feb. 19, 1917, at Deerfield, to Charles and Louise Schaaf Bentrup. A lifetime resident of Kearny County, he attended two years at the University of Minnesota after high school. He served in the U.S. Army from July 1936 to June 1937. After the service, he returned to Kearny County, where he worked as a farmer and raised sheep.

     Mr. Bentrup was a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church of Lamar, Colo., Santa Fe Trail and Kearny County Historical Society. He enjoyed the history of the Santa Fe Trail, especially Charlie's Ruts in Kearny County.

     He is survived by a son, David Paul Bentrup of Eagan, Minn.; two grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Walter, Frederick, Henry, Carl and Eldor Bentrup; and a sister, Ruth Purdy.

     Funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Garnand Funeral Home, Lakin, with the Rev. Tim Wheaton officiating. Burial will be in Deerfield Cemetery.