In Memory of Raymond Bendixen

Raymond Jacob Bendixen, age 100, of Ida Grove, Iowa, and formerly of Schleswig, Iowa, passed away Monday, January 21, 2013, at Willow Dale Wellness Village in Battle Creek, Iowa.

            Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2013, at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Chris Burtnett will officiate, with burial to follow in Morgan Township Cemetery, Schleswig.  Visitation with the family present will be held Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Ida Grove, and will resume at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.  

            Raymond was one of twin boys born to John and Dora (Bielenberg) Bendixen on October 6, 1912, in Otto Creek Township, Crawford County, Iowa.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Friedens Evangelical Church in Schleswig, Iowa. 

            On October 11, 1933, he was united in marriage to Gladys Janssen.  Raymond and Gladys loved to dance, as they were great polka dancers.  The newly married couple farmed near Schleswig until 1949, then moved to California to partner in business with Ray’s twin brother, Raynard.   They spent three years in California before returning to Ida Grove, Iowa, where Raymond worked at Midwest Industries for the next ten years.  The couple returned to farming until 1987, when they retired to the family home in Ida Grove.  After Gladys passed away in 1995, Raymond lived with his son Jerry in Odebolt.   In 1999, Raymond made his home at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and most recently made his home at Willow Dale Wellness Village in Battle Creek.   He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Schleswig.

            Raymond loved to travel and attend the Spencer Fair.  He had a special love for his pets, especially his dog Scarlett who held a special place in his heart.  He enjoyed motorcycle riding with his son, Jerry.   Raymond was especially fond of the nurses at Willow Dale Wellness Village, teasing them often and sharing wonderful stories of his pets and life on the farm, he appreciated the nurses and all the loving care they gave him.  Raymond enjoyed reminiscing about the good old days; friends and family enjoyed his ability to share his life experience during many historical events.  Raymond always maintained a supply of Snicker candy bars and Dr. Pepper for all his friends and family.

            Survivors include two children, Arliss Todd of Holstein, and Jerry Bendixen of Bulverde, TX; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.  

            He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Gladys; two brothers and their wives, Ervin and Rose Bendixen, and Raynard and Ann Bendixen; and a son-in-law, Glenn Todd.