Bendt Bladel, of Excelsior, Minn., former longtime resident of Hinsdale, passed away Jan. 19, 2020.
Bendt was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1928. He immigrated to Chicago with his parents as a little boy, entering the U.S. through Ellis Island clutching his favorite toy, a hand-carved wooden horse.
Following Bendt's service in the U.S. Army, he received his bachelor's from the University of Illinois and his master's from Loyola University in microbiology. Bendt worked in the food industry in Chicago. He had a bright mind for technical detail, which was evident in his work with confections and business. He read widely and gladly shared books with others.
Bendt enjoyed living in Hinsdale where he loved his neighbors. He was known as "the man who rode his bicycle." He could be seen out in all weather, pedaling to do his errands. An avid swimmer, Bendt adored swimming many miles with his buddies at the Hinsdale Community Pool.
Bendt was an active member of Hinsdale Covenant Church for almost 50 years. He was a follower of Christ who had a heart for those in need. He enjoyed mission trips and warm fellowship at his church.
Bendt was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine (née Lindquist); his infant daughter; Beth Ann; and his son, Jonathan Paul.
He is survived by his son, Randal (Julie); his daughters, Kristen (Gordon) Mesedahl and Bonnie (Eric) Sparrman; his grandchildren, Johanna (Dustin) Johnson, Kara (Eric) Gustafson, Bjorn (Olivia) Sparrman, Alyssa Mesedahl, Karl-Jon Sparrman, Krista Bladel, Karl (Olivia) Mesedahl and Jonathan Bladel; and his two great-grandchildren, Oskar Mesedahl and Nora Gustafson.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Excelsior Covenant Church, 19955 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior, Minn.
Memorials may be made to Hinsdale Covenant Church, 412 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521; Covenant Point Bible Camp, 358 Hagerman Lake Road, Iron River, MI 49935; or Covenant Youth of Alaska, PO Box 203356, Anchorage, AK 99520.
