Richard Bendgen

Richard Godfrey Bendgen Jr. was born on September 29, 1935, in Washington, D.C. to Richard Sr. and Rose (Welch) Bendgen. He attended school in Murfreesboro, Tennessee where he graduated from Central High School. Richard joined the United State Marine Corp where he proudly served his country for 26 years, retiring from there in 1979. He was united in marriage to Barbara Leonard on June 1, 1957, in Duval, Florida. Because of his military service, they made their home in many places and along the way welcomed six children, Robert, Jim, Cheryl, Rick, Joe and Chuck into their family. After his military retirement, Richard worked for 10 years at the VA Hospital, until his retirement in 1998.

Richard was a member of the St. Anne Catholic Church in Logan, Iowa. He loved to watch sports, especially football. Richard was an avid fan of baseball, including the College World Series. He also coached his boys in their little league days and attended many games for his children and grandchildren. He cheered a little louder when the New York Yankee’s and Giants or the Nebraska Cornhuskers were playing. Playing cards was another activity that the couple enjoyed, especially every Friday evening with Kenneth and Bette Leonard. His handy work could be seen in the stained glass, woodworking and gardening that he enjoyed doing.

Richard died on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Azria Health Rose Vista at the age of 89 years, eight months and 20 days.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara in 2023; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Leonard and his wife Bette. He is survived by his children, Bob (Patti) Bendgen of Waukee, Iowa, Jim (Marcy) Bendgen of Griswold, Iowa, Cheryl Bendgen of Woodbine, Rick (Christina) Bendgen of Hephzibah, Georgia, Joe (Karen) Bendgen of Middletown, Pennsylvania and Chuck (Mary) Bendgen of Boynton Beach, Florida; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Alice (Frank) Gessner of Port Charlotte, Florida and Leonard Bendgen of Jacksonville, Florida; sister-in-law, Carol (Jim) Brookhouser of Lake Park, Georgia; and many other relatives and friends.