General Information
Full Name: Gerald Henry Bendzick
Date of Birth: May 12, 1925
Date of Death: October 7, 2013
Jerry’s life story
Gerald “Jerry” H. Bendzick
The afternoon of Monday, October 7, 2013, Gerald “Jerry” Henry Bendzick, age 88, entered God’s arms, with his loving family gathered around his bedside at his home. Life for Jerry was about his faith, family, farming, and hobbies. Life for him was always simple.
Faith…was most important to Jerry. If you don’t have your faith, nothing else matters. On May 12, 1925, in LeSueur County, Jerry was born the second of seven children, to Henry and Anna (Wacker) Bendzick. He learned at an early age how having faith will set the foundation of a happy life. Throughout his life, he was always an active member of the church and was faithful in praying the rosary.
Family…the biggest passion in Jerry’s life. A devoted husband, he proclaimed his love to Catherine Loretta Sand on October 28, 1947 at St. Mary of the Purification Church in Marystown. A love for children, they were blessed with Dave, Gary, Paul, Pete, Pat, Mary and an infant son, John, which God soon took into his arms. Jerry was more than a father to his children; it takes a special person to be a dad, and he was a loving, dedicated and committed dad, grandpa and great grandpa.
Farming…was the way of life for Jerry. As a young boy, he helped his parents on the farm in Jordan, cutting wood, caring for the animals, and tending to the crops. Continuing this way of life…Jerry passed onto his children the lessons and the value of hard work and working as a team, for over 35 years. As a family, they fixed up the farm buildings and the home, to sustain a better life style. Later on in life, Jerry took over his dad’s bait business, sold real estate,solf farm machinery, and was a caretaker of The Plaza in Le Center.
Hobbies…a way to enjoy life and have some fun. On May 28, 1987, Jerry and Catherine moved to Le Center. He spent the next 25 years enjoying the lake and casting his fishing pole in the water just about every day of the year and sometimes up to three times a day. A gifted craftsman, Jerry excelled at making clocks, especially grandfather clocks. He also made furniture and even built a home. Jerry enjoyed playing poker, shaking dice, watching John Wayne movies and Archie Bunker. Later on in life, he enjoyed putting together puzzles, playing bingo and watching Wheel of Fortune.
A graduate from Jordan High School in 1943, Jerry served in the United States Army. He was a long-time member of the Le Center Knights of Columbus, the V.F.W. and the American Legion, he also was on the board of directors for AMPI and NFO.
Remembered always for his dedication to the Lord and the love to his family, Jerry will be forever loved and missed by wife of almost 66 years: Catherine of Jordan; children, Dave (Norma) Bendzick of Jordan, Gary (Lane) Bendzick of Chanhassen, Paul (Terri) Bendzick of Baxter, Pete (Lois) Bendzick of Chaska, Pat (Brenda) Bendzick of Shakopee, Mary (Paul) Johnson of LeCenter; grandchildren, Tim (Susie) Bendzick, Jennifer (Travis) Johnson, Andy Bendzick, Kate Bendzick, Molly Bendzick, Dan Bendzick, Natalie (Jordan) O’Hotto, Kelli (Darrion) Branscomb, Matt Bendzick, Alex Bendzick, Jeremy Johnson, Jacob Johnson; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters: Marcella Koenig of New Prague, Catherine (Roland) Menke of Jordan, Irene (Elgar) Busch of New Prague, Marian Breeggemann of Shakopee, Delphine Stelton; sister-in-law, Audrey Bendzick of New Prague; and many other loving relatives and loyal friends.
Jerry was greeted in heaven by his infant son, John; parents, Henry and Anna; brother, Ervin Bendzick; brothers-in-law, Joseph Koenig, Donald Breeggemann and Bill Stelton. Urn bearers for Jerry will be three of his sons, Dave, Gary and Paul.
The family will greet guests on Sunday, October 13, from 4-7 pm, with the rosary at 6:45 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 104 West First Street, Jordan, and one hour prior to the mass at the church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday at 11 am, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 210 North Broadway Street, Jordan. Father Ray Monsour and Father Chris Shofner will preside. Jerry will be laid to rest at St. John Calvary Cemetery.
The Bendzick family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Jordan Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, 4-7 pm
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 104 First Street West
Jordan, MN
Service Information
When: Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, 11:00 am
Location: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Address: 313 E 2nd St
Jordan, MN
Interment
Calvary Cemetery, Jordan, MN
