Sam Eugene Bendickson

Sam Eugene Bendickson, Cha kú Ki yá Wichášta

Sam passed on Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 10:25 pm. He was 76 years old. He lived in Saint Paul, MN. He is survived by his sons and daughter in-laws Darrin & Crystal Bendickson, Noel & Sunny Bendickson, Sampson Bendickson & Krista Flores, and Joe & Katie Bendickson; by 18 grandchildren - Samantha Bendickson, Sarah Bendickson, Sarita Bendickson, Ian Ashton Sanford, Brandyn Bendickson, Isma'il Ahmed, Olivia Bendickson, Eli Adams, Sage Tapio, Aria Bendickson, Chance Bendickson, Amiyah Flores, Ella Bendickson-Flores, Miles Bendickson, Paris Sheppard, Lewis Sheppard, Phoebe Bendickson, and Samuel Bendickson; and one great-granddaughter – Lisa Burris; and one older sister Ellen Erickson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. Sam was preceded in death by his wife Jennifer Bendickson; his parents – Sam Bendickson and Ruby Bendickson (Renville); and his siblings – Sanford Demarrias, Lloyd Demarrias, Judy Pourier, Shirley Bendickson, and Sally Adams.

Sam was born in Veblen, South Dakota on December 19th, 1948. He grew up in Veblen and also lived in Sisseton, Saint Paul, and Chicago. He served in the Army from January 1st, 1969, to November 26th, 1971. He graduated from flight school on June 16th, 1969, in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He served in Vietnam from August 6th, 1969, to August 1st, 1970. He was a door gunner on a loach helicopter and survived many combat missions as aerial support. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He returned to the United States on August 7th, 1970. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, until his honorable discharge in 1971.

On August 13, 1970, Sam married Jennifer Keeble. They had a wonderful 52-year marriage until Jennifer passed away on September 18, 2022. They lived in Texas, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Sam was a true family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, son, and khodá. He cherished every moment with his loved ones, extended family, and friends. He was always happy to welcome visitors and enjoy a cup of coffee together. Sam was a caring and supportive person, taking great care of his mother, helping many of his relatives, and raising some of his nieces and nephews. He was a journeyman carpenter and served as foreman on many jobs, working long hours through all sorts of weather conditions. He was proud of all the buildings he worked on, such as - skyscrapers in downtown Minneapolis, the Science Museum, and MoA. He was a great role model for his sons and grandchildren, inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves. Sam's legacy will live on through his family, and his memory will forever be etched in their hearts.

Urn-Bearer: Joe Bendickson

Honorary Urn-Bearers: Darrin Bendickson, Noel Bendickson, Sampson Bendickson, Ian Ashton Sanford, Brandyn Bendickson, Isma'il Ahmed, Eli Adams, Sage Tapio, Chance Bendickson, Miles Bendickson, Paris Sheppard, Lewis Sheppard, Samuel Bendickson.

Final viewing – Family only

1:00 pm - Thursday, July 31, 2025

Willwerscheid Funeral Home

1167 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105

Urn Burial & Final Resting Place:

2:00 pm - Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Fort Snelling National Cemetery

7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55450