Henry Allen Bendorf

September 6, 1939 - February 21, 2024

Lenexa, Kansas - Henry Allen Bendorf, age 84, of Lenexa, Kansas, and Casa Grande, Arizona, died while at his winter residence near Phoenix. His wife Kathryn (Kathy) and daughter Angela Bendorf Jamison, Wake Forest, North Carolina, were by his side during his peaceful passing. The day before, he tended his backyard cactus garden in anticipation of his family's visit.

Hank will be remembered as a kind, fair man who always had a story to tell.

Born and raised in the farming community of High Amana, Iowa, Hank nurtured anything that grew-from cattle and cardinals to cucumbers and cacti. His father, Henry Allen Bendorf, Sr., was community farm manager, and along with Hank's mom Susanna Wendler Bendorf, served as postmaster with the town post office in their home.

During the past year, Hank spent much quality time with those he loved at a fall Bendorf family reunion as the senior patriarch and enjoyed weddings/holiday gatherings as a proud stepfather and Grandpa Opa.

Hank cheered another win by his Kansas City Chiefs during a Super Bowl LVIII party hosted by him and Kathy. While his Iowa State Cyclones didn't fare as well last season, he remained a longtime, loyal alumni and fan. His love of all sports stemmed from his playing and lettering in sports at Amana High School including basketball team captain during his senior year.

Those leadership skills transitioned to college at Iowa State University in Ames, where he was a member of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy.

His first job was as a sales rep for the Ortho Division, Chevron Chemical Company (1961 to 1970). He moved his young family to Marshalltown, Iowa, then back to his hometown as innkeeper/general manager of the Amana Holiday Inn (1970-76), then the new Gateway Center Hotel in Ames (1976-79). He went back to his agriculture roots with North American Plant Breeders working in various management positions for 35+ years in the seed industry. In 2004, he retired from Forage Genetics International and continued as a part-time consultant for the company.

Hank engaged in his community as president of the Amana Jaycees and chair of the committee that founded the Amana Oktoberfest in 1965. During the event's 50th-year celebration in 2015, he was honored to serve as grand marshal.

He was president of The Iowa Hotel Association, the Field Seed Institute of North America, the Alfalfa Council, the American Forage and Grassland Council, and the Forage and Grassland Foundation. He was director of the American Seed Trade Association and The Canadian Seed Trade Association and one of the founders of the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance. He received the merit certificate and medallion award from the American Forage and Grassland Council.

Hank took his family on many travel adventures from camping out West, to cruises in the Caribbean and excursions in Europe.

He was predeceased by his parents and four siblings: Marrietta Moershel, Marvin (Benny) Bendorf, Elisabeth (Betty) Williams and William (Billy) Bendorf; his wife of 34 years Amber Slezak Bendorf, and his son, Brian Paul Bendorf, age 34.

Hank is survived by wife Kathy; his daughter Angela (Warner), stepdaughter Debi Brown (Dennis), granddaughter Camryn Jamison, stepgrandchildren Michael (Charini) Urteaga, Joshua (Cassie) Urteaga, Robert Urteaga, Shelby Brown, and many nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, Hank was cremated under the care of Heritage Casa Grande Funeral & Cremation www.heritagefuneralchapels.com

Memorial services and life celebrations for Hank will be held June 7 in Lenexa, Kansas, and Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Middle Amana Church and High Amana Cemetery in Iowa.

Honor Hank through a donation to the Amana Heritage Society, P.O. Box 81, Amana, IA 52203, www.amanaheritage.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Mar. 2, 2024.