Gary Bendickson, age 86 of Henning, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

Gary Noble Bendickson was born on June 6, 1936, on a farm in Girard Township, rural Henning, to his parents, Marlin and Vera (Magnuson) Bendickson. He graduated from Henning High School with the class of 1954. It was there that he met his wife-to-be, Marcella “Marcy” Torgerson. They were married on September 18, 1954, in Battle Lake, and resided on East Battle Lake. Gary was a member of the Minnesota National Guard Reserve. 

Gary worked at Roy Olson Music Store in Fergus Falls for two years. From there, they went on an adventure to California where he worked in a steel mill in Oakland, Calif., for three years. Then they returned home to their friends and family in Henning. Gary and Marcy played in his dad’s dance band, Marcy playing the piano, and Gary playing his smoking hot trumpet style. 

Gary and Marcy moved to St. Paul, Minn. where he worked for Knutson Construction Company for several decades as a union carpenter. Over time he became a foreman in heavy commercial building construction. 

He built a beautiful home in Shoreview, Minn., where he and Marcy had two children, Patty in 1960, and David in 1964. They raised them together, Gary working days and Marcy working nights. In 1972, they bought a farm close to where they grew up. They would commute back and forth every weekend until they both retired and returned to the farm. 

Gary had one grandson, Shane, who he loved with all his heart. They did many things together, including spending time fishing on West Mason Lake and tying their own lures. His most recent enjoyment was to spend a few holiday meals with his great-grandson, Henley.  

Marcy passed away in 2019. Gary and Marcy had 64 wonderful years of marriage together. Also preceding Gary in death were his parents: Marlin and Vera; brother: Luverne (Marie) Bendickson; sisters: Jeannie Bendickson, and Lori Bendickson. 

He is survived by his daughter: Patty (Paul) Winkler; son: David (Julia Miller) Bendickson; grandson: Shane (Rachel Ulven) Winkler; great-grandson: Henley Winkler; sister: Kathy Moore; nephews: Aaron (Amber) Rousu; and Adam Rousu; nieces: Cindy Snow; and Pamela “Pammy” Hedstrom; many other relatives and a host of friends. 

Thank you to all our family and friends, Rick, Ron, Randy Torgerson, and their families through this time in our lives. And a special thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley professionals including Amanda for all the kindness and good you did helping our dad. And thank you to Karvonen Funeral Home. 

Thank you to the greatest dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather we could have ever had. We love you and miss you all the time. 

It was Gary’s wish for there to be no funeral service. Next Spring, we will have a private gathering and service held along the shores of West Mason Lake, his home. 

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Gary’s Tribute Wall. 

Arrangements provided by Belmont-Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Henning.