Otto Daniel Bendewald, age 90, passed away at his home on June 13, 2015. He was born August 12, 1924 in Vananda, MT to Daniel and Louise (Schaefer) Bendewald. His parents homesteaded in Vananda. After Otto graduated from high school he joined the US Navy during WWII. He was a plank owner of the battleship that he served on, the USS Kearsarge. An honorable discharge came in July 1946 and Otto moved back to the farm in Montana.
Otto married Evelyn Seader on June 4th, 1950. To this union, 3 children were born: Robert, Jeffrey, and Elaine. They moved to Forsyth in 1952 from the farm. Otto was a well-respected businessman and always had a smile or a handshake for everyone he met. He was a great role model for all of the young people that he employed over the years. Among other businesses, Otto owned and ran a Service Station on Front Street and he built the local Bowling Alley.
Otto was an avid golfer, and loved fishing and hunting with all his buddies. He was one of the biggest fans of Forsyth sports programs and rarely missed attending an event. Otto had a strong love for God and was a dedicated member of Concordia Lutheran Church. He served as the Chairman at Concordia Lutheran Church, was a member of the City Council, School Board, was the President of the Chamber of Commerce, and he called Bingo at the Nursing Home. Otto was a man of the community, and loved serving in whatever capacity that he could. Otto is survived by his son, Jeffery (Jean) Bendewald of Monroe Washington; daughter, Elaine (Sam) Thelen of Billings; grandchildren: Cameron ( Jackie) Bendewald of Gold Bar Washington, Amanda (Daniel) Fallou of Duvall, Washington, Joshua Thelen, Jason Thelen, Shauna (Cody) Lythgoe , Alicia (Harold) Wright; great-grandchildren: Jamison and Madelyn Fallou of Washington, Avery, Tylie, Otto Wright, Jaxon Thelen, Mason and Camden Lythgoe, all of Billings; sisters: Esther, Ruth, Vera; and his brother Ervin. Otto was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn; son Robert; sisters Clara and Viola; and his brothers Walt, Ted, and Mervin. We lost a wonderful Father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a friend to many people. You will forever be in our hearts. We will miss you dearly, and we all loved you very much! Thank you too all his friends that kept tabs on him when we weren’t there. This is much appreciated, God bless you all! In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made the Rosebud Foundation.
A family to receive friends will be held at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home on Thursday, June 25 from 4-7 PM. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 26 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth. A Graveside service with Full Military Honors will take place following the funeral in the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 7:00PM
Thursday June 25, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth , MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday June 26, 2015
Concordia Lutheran Church
310 North 8th Ave
Forsyth, MT 53927
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:15 PM
Friday June 26, 2015
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 7:00PM
Thursday June 25, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth , MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday June 26, 2015
Concordia Lutheran Church
310 North 8th Ave
Forsyth, MT 53927
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:15 PM
Friday June 26, 2015
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
Jeff, Elaine and families, We are so sorry for your loss. Otto was a wonderful man and will be missed so very much.
David Bierlein says
Otto was a very kind man. Always a smile given at church and a hand shake at sporting events. I will miss him very much. My prayers to all his family and friends.
The Simmons Family says
Kevin, Jan and I truly miss a great neighbor and bowling team member. Otto always had a tip to improve Kevin’s game. Visiting with him on the street was almost a daily event. Forsyth has lost a wonderful gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends.
Liz Ball-Mavity says
i am so very sorry for your families loss and our community as well. Otto will always be remembered in my heart. I have so many wonderful memories of him, how kind, caring, and thoughtful he was to me and so many others. He will be missed.
Dean Holmes says
It’s a sad morning to know that Otto has gone from his friend and family. Always a great business man, always in the front to promote his community. He loved his Forsyth sports and for more years than most can remember his golfing and the Forsyth Golf Club. Otto was a major player in giving our community KIKC AM and FM. For this I thank Otto. This friend will miss you. You gave to your community more than you took, for that we will always remember Otto.
Kurt Seward says
Elaine , Jeff and family I am so sorry for the loss of Otto. He was a great person and one of the best bosses I ever had. Otto taught me alot working at the standard station. I will miss him and will for ever have fond memories of him.
Darin Purkett says
Truly a good man. We are all better to have known him!!!
Bob Lee says
Jeff, Elaine, and Family My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My memories of Otto go back to when my family moved in down the street in 1960. I remember Otto giving Jeff and I a ride to kindergarten on a motor scooter. I had the privilege of bowling with Otto the past 10 years. He will always be known as “Ottomatic” or coach. I will miss his encouraging words and smiling face. All of Forsyth has lost a father figure. Otto lived a full life and is in a great place.
Doug Martens says
My thoughts are with you. Otto will be missed.
Bob and Naomi Rusdal says
We will miss Otto at Bingo and Basketball games.
Our Sympathy to his family.
Bob and Naomi Rusdal
Ann Stuart says
To the family of Otto
we are so sorry for your loss. My husband Sam and I played many pinochle games with him and every time we played, we learned something new.
He was a great man and will be terribly missed.
Sam and Ann Stuart
Dennis Kenney says
Will miss you old friend. Lots of golfing and goose hunting memories.
William L. Allison says
Otto was a Father figure to myself and other young men who grew up working for him at the Station. He always had a smile and a hand shake and a good conversation with me everytime I seen him around Forsyth. The Good Lord has an Angel by his side. Condolences to Bobby,Jeff and Eliane
Joe & Carolyn Wilson says
Jeff, Elaine, & Family,
There was not a more respected man and businessman in Forsyth than Otto. Always there for an encouraging word, a bit of wisdom, and genuine friendship that marked his life as we have known him. He was one of the first people we met when we moved here forty years ago. and certainly one whom we will miss. We join the many expressing our sincere condolences for your loss, and the loss for our town by his passing. He will be missed.
Kelly (Cartwright) Handley says
Jeff, Elaine and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss. I always remember him being a kind, gentle man, and a real pleasure to be around. He will be remembered in the history books of Forsyth. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Danny Johnson says
Elaine I am sorry for your loss. Praying for peace that passes all understanding to keep you and your family.
Mike and Lynn Blakesley says
We were so sorry to hear of Otto’s passing. He was one of those timeless guys who never seemed to age much. Since he was a good customer at Valley Auto I have known him pretty much my whole life, and I can honestly say I never knew anybody who didn’t like Otto. He always had a smile and a positive attitude. He will truly be missed and his influence will continue to be an inspiration to Forsyth businesspeople. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ron and Carol Moore says
Jeff and Elaine,
So sorry for the loss of your dad. He was such an inspiration to many people. Always had a positive attitude and encouraged lots of folks. Was a dear friend and he will be missed at the Speedway coffee group. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Winters says
Jeff, Elaine and families,
Uncle Otto was such a special person and uncle. We enjoyed our time with him during our family reunions in the past, especially the one in Forsyth. He was a great host for all the activities! He had a wonderful smile, personality and sense of humor. I always enjoyed being around him since he looked and acted so much like my dad. I know you will miss him terribly but have wonderful memories of a great and loving father. I will be praying for you during your time of grief and am sorry my back pain won’t make it possible for us to attend his funeral service.
Love,
Lynn (& Jeff)
Virgil & Waneeta (Brockel) Farris says
I will always remember Otto as a wise and highly respected individual. His parents and my
grandparents homesteaded north of Forsyth iin the Vananda area and knew each other well. My father always spoke highly of all the Bendewalds. Jeff & Elaine, your dad was truly an icon of the community and will be missed by a great many. God Bless.
Gary and Kathryn Wagner says
We remember Otto well at Concordia Sunday School where he was the always smiling superintendent. We remember him at his Standard station providing excellent service with great kindness. In later years, we enjoyed meeting up with him at the golf course hearing his stories. We have/had great respect for him and it has been a privilege to have known him. Blessings to his family.
Gary and Kathryn (Doyle) Wagner
Butch Schulenberg says
Otto…you old Dogie fan. We’ll take our hats off in your memory, before every game. We know you’ll be watching the Dogie Herd from the stands in the sky. May you rest in peace.you had a good full life and will be missed by your Friends. Condolences to your Family. Till We meat again old friend.
Andrea Bendewald says
Dear Elaine, Jeff and all the Bendewalds:
Uncle Otto was one of the greats! He was my favorite Uncle. He made me laugh and smile and always had a steady way about him that made me feel like everything was taken care of. Daniel and I treasured our summer trips to Montana, as you know, and the constant was Uncle Otto and his presence in his community. Either at church, the county fair, the Speedway or on the golf course, he knew who he was, and everyone knew they were dealing with a special person no matter where he went. I will miss him. I will carry him with me. Sending love and prayers to you and your families…..
Love,
Andrea
Peggy Redman & Earl Mortensen says
To Otto’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Forsyth community.
The Dogies and Lady Dogies have lost their biggest fan. It is hard to imagine a ball game without Otto in the stands.
May warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow.
Doris says
Please accept my sympathy for your loss, may pleasant memories, and the promises found in God’s Word give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. One day soon, no one will be sick again – Isaiah 33:24; Isaiah 42:8.
Joe and Pam Ash says
I am so sorry about your loss. I will miss seeing Otto. Pam and Joe
Deb Dumler says
Elaine and Jeff please accept my condolences for the loss of your dad. I remember you kids and your mom and dad coming into church. Yes I called your Uncle Otto even though we were not related but it felt right to call your parents uncle and aunt out of respect to them. There was many times I stopped by the station and said hi to uncle Otto. So keep in mind that the day Jesus comes you will meet your dad in thw sky with Jesus.
Hugh and Evelyn Broadus says
Jeff, Jean and Family, Extending Sympathy for the loss of your father. Otto was such a nice man, and we always enjoyed visiting with him.
Michelle (Lucke) Fres says
Jeff, Elaine and families…it is with a saddened heart that I tell you prayers and positive thoughts are surrounding you all at this time of loss of a great, loving, encouraging, caring Great Uncle, who will truly be missed. I will always remember all the special times together as Bendewald happenings ensued and the sharing of family times and memories forever cherished…much love to each of you all and we here in the Tri-Cities are blanketing you from here with love and prayers.
Jim and Carol Swanson says
Jim and I always remember Otto….He was an icon in our Forsyth memories…He always beamed when he saw old friends from out of town…He made us feel so happy to ‘be back home’ He was just such a great Forsyth promoter and will be missed…RIP Otto
Lenore Meatovich says
Good bye to a kind, good man. I will miss you Otto.
Keith and Debby Beartusk says
We are sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful man. Otto was a true gentleman. He was always so helpful with church matters and so friendly when meeting him or talking on the phone. My husband Keith enjoyed playing golf with him. His kind words will be missed by many. May your memories be many and give your family comfort. Debby Beals Beartusk
Mike Vraa says
When my friends and I were younger (Travis Millhollin, Todd Martens, Jason Boggs mostly), we spent a lot of time at the golf course. He was always friendly and welcoming to us, almost like an unofficial host of the Club, even if we were acting like 12 year olds at the golf course.
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Thank you Otto for all the kindness you have shown and example you set for so many in your lifetime, I was honored to have you as a mentor and friend. Forsyth, Montana lost a Legend when you left for your eternal prize in GLORY. Go with God my friend you will be missed – many lives are better for having known you.
Condolences to Jeff & Jean and Elaine & Sam and families.
Richard & Myrna (Dobler) West says
Myrna knew Otto and the Bendewald family as a little girl in Vananda. When Otto was home and in his military uniform Myrna would sit on his lap. Otto made all that were around him feel welcome.
My first pay check was from the Forsyth Standard Station in Otto’s name I think Otto was a role model to many teenage boys. He hired many of us , some I remember are Harold Fahrenbruck, Don Hall and Duane Dobler and a host of others after me .I worked there off and on until 1959. Clyde Brumfield ( my stepdad) was a great friend of Otto’s
I will admire Otto forever as the the most a gentleman could be. All the nice things that are said will never be enough. I never saw him angry he could be very direct and not mad. When I worked in the station by the end of my shift I was pretty dirty and Otto , doing more work than me, always looked clean, I will never know how he did that. There were vitues about Otto that were amazing. Myrna and I will never forget him.
Bob, Jeff & Elaine your Dad was a fine man. God had blessed him with gift of friendliness in abundant love for everyone he ever met. We will never forget him. God bless you all.
Vera Bendewald Williams says
Dear Otto
We have discussed this many times, the fact that we are getting old and it’s difficult
to travel. Your siblings Esther 99, Ruth 96, Ervin 92, and me 87 would all like to
attend your Memorial Service but it isn’t a sure thing that any of else can make it.
I know that you will understand. I will always think of you as a kind and caring brother with
a great sense of humor ready to help me in any way needed, never forgetting to tell
me that you love me before hanging up the phone. Your contributions to your world
of family and friends is best described through their thoughts and memories. You
were a living example of “Do unto others and you would have others do unto you”. Safe journey. I love you.
Jackie dassinger says
It was our good fortune to have known Otto, What a true gentleman he was! He was fun at the pinochle table and I enjoyed our visits when he picked me up to go and play. We enjoyed him watching Super Bowl with us too. He was a wonderful boss for Darren and he has so much respect for Otto.
Fosyth will miss his smiling face
Neice /Counsin Sandra says
Dear Family,
We send our best thoughts to you all. Uncle Otto was a good person and a mentor to
many folks for a life lived well. Indeed, Howard and I are sad to hear the news. Monday, just read comments from so many people re: Uncle Otto. He touched so many in positive ways…and I’m guessing he was rewarded in return. Mom (Ruth) worked at the bowling alley that Otto owned when she was in her 60’s and lived in Forsyth for a short while; she shared stories of her experiences. Feel compelled to mention Otto’s folks Dan and Louise Bendewald (my grandparents) whose whole family contributed to the building of the town.
So many good memories of family reunions in Montana and Washington state. Our photo albums will help keep those events alive through the decades; plus storytelling. Take care
Karie Weamer says
Jeff, Jean, Elaine and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Otto was a wonderful kind man. I had the joy of seeing and visiting with him on my last trip to Forsyth. Always a smile and kind words. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
JOHN & BONNIE PRINCE says
To all of Otto’s family and friends,
When tomorrow starts without him, we know we are not far apart, for every time we think of him, we know he is in our heart. I know we will be thinking of him often. John will think of him every time he runs the snowblower. I’ll be watching out the window!! Thanking Otto for convincing me he needed it. We had such good times sharing lunches and dinners with him all these past years. My heart hurts for you all. The memories are good. GOD BLESS!!
Sharon Lincoln says
Otto was one of those very special people who saw something good in everyone. When I think of what he did for all of the young boys he hired and mentored at the Standard station, including my sons, Mike and Mark, I have nothing but admiration for his patience, guidance, and leadership of those young men. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. His leadership and work ethic was evident at the Forsyth Golf Course, helping to achieve a grass course, always keeping it neat and tidy with mutual friends, leading by example. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. My condolences to his family. Cherish the memories. God be with you.
ARVIN says
Best Bingo caller… eeverr.
Brian Lee says
Wonderful business man who aspired others. A good neighbor to my upbringing but a friend to all. Thought and prayers with you, Jeff & Elaine, and your families. Hope you have a good reunion with folks around Forsyth as we reflect on your dad.
Ron Aasland says
My memories of Otto go way back as a very young boy spending time with my Grandparents in Vananda and visiting with the Bendewalds on their farm. Later in Forsyth as a high school boy delivering freight to his station. He always greeted me with a handshake before helping unload. Otto gave me a job at the station during the summer/fall of 63 following my discharge from the Navy while working to save and start the fall semester at MSC. On our return visits to Forsyth over the years he always made a point to seek us out and find out where we were and how we were doing. Otto was a true gentleman in every sense and I was fortunate to be one of many that he helped and influenced.