Sondra Bendlage

Sondra Lee Bendlage, 88, of Fort Madison passed away the morning of Aug. 16, 2025, at her home under the care of her children and hospice.

She was born on Oct. 28, 1936, in Fort Madison to Earl W. and Beatrice C. Simmons Mattox. Sondra married Francis "Hank" Bendlage on May 17, 1968, in Fort Madison; he passed away on July 21, 2002. Her previous marriage was to Oscar "Bill" Schelen of Burlington.

Sondra's sunny personality would light up the room. She was guided by faith and was a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish and member of the Eagles. In earlier years, Sondra worked as a phone operator at Northwestern Bell, a line worker at Breck Corporation, and was a homemaker.

Sondra traveled throughout the United States and abroad (favoring Paris, France) where she experienced life, culture, and adventures with lifelong friends. She cherished her family and treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her favorite singer was Michael Bublé, whom she saw in concert multiple times. Sondra drove her Rav4 with TDIBEAR license plates, a nod to her late husband. She loved the holidays, always kept a very organized home, and had good, strong coffee ready. Sondra was an amazing cook, baker, and floral designer. She adored spending time with her sweetheart, Thomas Schmidt and his family.

Survivors include one son, Burk (Kelli) Schelen of Crawfordsville; one daughter, Andrea Bendlage Franklin of Ankeny and one stepdaughter, Lisa (Vern) Lee of Polk City; nine grandchildren, A.J. Franklin and Addyson Franklin, Travis Lee, Chelsy (Shelden) Lee Stenum, Martin (Mindy) Becker, Matthew Becker, and Mitchell (Jeri Holeman) Becker, Leslie Bendlage, Lindsey (Andy) Bendlage Schutte; two great-grandchildren, Leo Stenum and Edgar Becker; her sister, Betty Cullen of Fort Madison; many nieces and nephews.

Sondra was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hank; one son, Brock Schelen and one stepson, Mark Bendlage (Faith); stepdaughter, Lori Becker (Roger); brother, Edward Mattox and two sisters, Iris Kern and Celia Siegrist.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 4-5:30 p.m. at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A wake service will follow at 5:30 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Sacred Heart Church with Father Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will be in Soldiers' Circle, Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. A memorial has been established in her memory and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.