Sondra L. Bendlage

Sondra Lee Bendlage, 88, of Ft. Madison, IA, passed away the morning of August 16, 2025, at her home under the care of her children and hospice. She was born on October 28, 1936, in Ft. Madison to Earl W. and Beatrice C. Simmons Mattox. Sondra married Francis "Hank" Bendlage on May 17, 1968, in Ft. Madison; he passed away on July 21, 2002. Her previous marriage was to Oscar "Bill" Schelen of Burlington, IA. 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 step daughter, Lisa (Vern) Lee of Polk City; nine grandchildren, A.J. Franklin & 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 Ft. Madison; many nieces and nephews. Sondra was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hank; one son, Brock Schelen and one step son, Mark Bendlage (Faith); step daughter, Lori Becker (Roger); brother, Edward Mattox and two sisters, Iris Kern and Celia Siegrist. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 4-5:30 PM at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A wake service will follow at 5:30. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will be in Soldiers' Circle, Oakland Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.