"If we died in Christ, we shall also live with him. If we are faithful to the end, we will also reign with him." This quote was found in a journal of Lois'--this is what she believed and lived.
Five days after celebrating her 95th birthday with family from near and far, Lois Bendickson went home to her Savior with peace and grace, in the presence of her loving family on July 21, 2012.
She was born in Bay City, MI on July 16, 1917 to Charles and Blanche(Talaga) Lauderbach. She grew up in Burton Township. She attended one-room school houses in the younger grades and graduated from Flint Northern High School at 16 years old. She went on to graduate from Baker's Business University. She worked as a bookkeeper/stenographer at the First Investment Company in Flint. To supplement her family's income, she worked week-ends as a "hat-check" girl at the Flint IM. There she met a good-looking dancer, Fred Bendickson, whom she married on June 26, 1937. They had been married nearly 63 years when he passed April 8, 2000 and she missed him dearly.
In June 1950, she reluctantly moved with her husband and 4 children to the Old Mission Peninsula cherry farm at Bower's Harbor, where she spent the remainder of her married life. She would say " those years were filled with hard work and good memories."
She had great faith in her Lord. She was a true Christian--filled with love, joy, forgiveness, beauty and goodness. She had way of making everyone feel special. She was a strong and inspirational lady.
She passionately loved her family---loving wife, inspiring and forgiving mother, doting grandmother, and adoring great-grandmother. She was a wonderful cook and baker and loved preparing for large family gatherings. She loved dancing with her partner-from swing to waltz. Throughout her life she enjoyed watching the sunsets, sewing(even her granddaughter's prom dresses), crocheting, knitting(every grand or great-grandchild had sweater sets and afghans), playing cards with the grandkids, crossword puzzles and reading, but most of all --she enjoyed just being with her family. As her daughter, it was my honor and privilege to love and care for her. We are thankful and grateful for all the times we share with her. She will be greatly missed.
She was involved with her church-Bethlehem Lutheran for years as a Sunday School teacher, member of the ladies circle, the Tuesday AM sewing group and the XYZ. Years past she was involved in the Old Mission Peninsula PTA, 4-H, Sons of Norway and the Bowers Harbor Women's Clubs.
Lois is survived by her four children: Donald (Christie) Bendickson of FL; Darryl (Nancy) Bendickson of OH; Dawain (Elaine) Bendickson of Traverse City; Joanne Badger of Traverse City; 9 grandchildren: Thor, David, Darwin, Kimberly, Derick, IngaMarie, Kristin, Tiffanie, and Gabrielle; and 10 great-grandchildren; plus several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by husband Fred; grandson Blaine; her parents; and brothers Virgil and Alger Lauderbach.
A memorial service will take place at 11a.m. Saturday, July 28 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Busekist and Rev. Dr. David Gabel officiating. Visitation will take place at the church at 10a.m. At a later date, the family will have a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or to the Commission on Aging.
Please share your thoughts, condolences, and memories with her family by way of the online guestbook at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.