Donald "Benny" Allan Bendickson

Donald "Benny" Bendickson of Columbia Heights; formerly of north Minneapolis, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023 at the age of 65.

Donald was a free spirit, living life on his own terms and following his own unique path.

He was born August 11, 1958 in Minneapolis; the third child born to Kermit and Marian (Larson) Bendickson. He spent his early years in Hopkins, Minnesota before the family settled in Minneapolis, first on Nicollet Island, then North Minneapolis where he resided for most of his life. He attended four elementary schools, Holmes, Marcy, Grant and Bethune. He attended Jordan Middle School and North High School. At North, he was active in gymnastics until a heart murmur forced him to stop, although he managed to "borrow" a gymnastics horse and gym mats that occupied his bedroom for several months on which he and friends did their routines. He still practiced gymnastic moves and often walked through the house on his hands.

Caution was not a word in his vocabulary, and he was always looking for a new adventure. He did river jumping from a bridge crossing the Mississippi River with a teacher who was active in the sport (not an activity endorsed by the school, of course). As soon as he was able, he purchased a motorcycle and spent hours riding it, especially on the hills near the river in the Camden area. That area of Minneapolis was a favorite place of his where he could fish, ride his motorcycle, party with friends, and explore the many abandoned buildings and fenced in areas where there was usually some gap for entry.

He held a variety of jobs, often working long enough to save up a few dollars, then he'd quit to pursue his own interests until money grew short. One of his true passions was music and he was a talented musician, teaching himself to play several instruments including the guitar, banjo, violin, harmonica and bongos.

For several years, he and two friends had a clown act and they performed at parties and events. Sunny, with his bright yellow hair and colorful clothing, entertained both children and adults. For a short time, he continued the act as a solo venture.

He eventually attended school to get his CDL certification and spent several years driving trucks, both locally and long distance. It was a perfect job for him, with his independent nature and his love of experiencing new things. It was a career he enjoyed and longed to return to.

For many years, his constant companion was Jazz, a dog of indiscriminate breeding. She joined him when he drove across the country for his job, and they saw the country together.

In the last few years, Donald stayed closer to home, where he continued working on his music, and spending time with family and friends.

Don is survived by his siblings Alice Countryman of Crystal, Shirley Bendickson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, David Bendickson (Katie Moynagh) of Minneapolis, Sandra Bendickson (Mike Marvin) of Cedar; sister-in-law Donna Bendickson of Crystal; nieces and nephews Jennifer, James, Joan, Amanda, Adam, Thomas; great-niece and great-nephews Jaylen, Kendall, Ethan, Tobias and Kingston.

He was preceded in death by parents, Kermit and Marian Bendickson; brother Wayne Bendickson.  

A memorial service for Don: 2 PM; Saturday, November 11, 2023 with a time for family and friends to gather planned for one hour prior to the service all at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City. The inurnment will take place in the First Lutheran Cemetery, Rush City.  

Arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral And Cremation Service of Rush City~Olson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com