Alton Bendickson, 63, of Bejou, MN, died Monday, April 29, 2013, at Veteran Administration Health Care Systems in Fargo, ND, after a courageous battle against cancer.

Alton Keith Bendickson was born March 24, 1950, in Mahnomen, MN, the son of Bertram and Albertha (TerWisscha) Bendickson. He grew up in Bejou, MN, where he attended grade school. Alton then attended Mahnomen High School, graduating with the class of 1968. In 1969, he entered the United States Army and took his basic training in Ft. Lewis, followed by his advanced training in the Military Police at Ft. Benning. After his honorable discharge in 1971, Alton worked as a police officer in the cities of Fertile and Mahnomen before becoming a deputy for the Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office. In the early 1980's, he was employed at American Crystal Sugar and then for Roger Wang in his plumbing and heating business. Most recently, Alton worked for Stenerson Home Improvement of Moorhead for 12 years, and was also employed part-time at Hector Airport as a security guard. Alton continued to work both jobs until his failing health forced him into retirement. His optimistic attitude was an inspiration to all.

Alton was an avid reader, an enthusiastic fan of football, and his greatest enjoyment was fishing. Whether in a boat or on a frozen lake, he loved to fish. Alton enjoyed life, especially being with family and friends. His grandkids were very special to him. Alton was a member of the Mahnomen County Historical Society and the Bejou Recreational Association.


He is survived by his mother Albertha, Mahnomen; two sons, William (Tammy) Bendickson, Buckley, WA and Michael Bendickson, Crookston, MN; two step-daughters, Shirley (Doug) Falkenhagen, Tacoma, WA and Tonya Gunderson, Crookston, MN; three sisters: Barbara Flakne, Fertile, MN, LaVonne (Mark) Froemke, Crookston, MN and Carol (Joe) Farrell, Big Lake, MN; seven brothers: Harlan (Diane) Moorhead, MN, Gary (Joyce) Bejou, MN, Gene (Laura) Bejou, MN, Dale (Susan) Bejou, MN, Bert. Jr (Andrea) Bejou, MN, Curtis, Moorhead, MN, Lyndon (Robin) Mahnomen, MN, four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alton was preceded in death by his father, and 2 brothers-in-law.

Memorial services were held Saturday, May 4, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bejou, MN. A time of gathering was held one hour before the church service. Pastor Scott Morey officiated with Naomi Steinmetz serving as organist. Military rites were provided by the Bejou V.F.W. Post 1228 and the MNARNG Honor Guard. Burial was in the Bejou Cemetery.