Obituary of Alden James "Jim" Bendt

ALDEN JAMES “JIM” BENDT

MAY 7, 1929 – MARCH 15, 2021

Jim passed away in Westminster, Colorado on March 15, 2021 at the age of 91 after a lengthy illness. He blessed us with his presence on the day of his birth, May 7, 1929 in Grant County, Minnesota.

Jim served in the Army from 1951–1953 during the Korean war and was given an Honorable discharge in July 1956 after a traumatic head injury ended his military service. Jim married Donna Mae Ellingboe on May 3, 1954 and moved to Dallas, Texas before making their home in Colorado. After 60 years of marriage Donna preceded him in death.

Jim served as plant manager at ESB, which later became Exide Batteries, in Denver and was also utilized as a quality control troubleshooter in other Exide plants around the county.

He loved hunting, fishing, camping, riding his dirt bike and taking his classic Bronco four wheeling in the beautiful Colorado mountains.

Jim retired in 1989 and belonged to many organizations including being a 32nd degree Mason, member of the El Jebel Shrine, Westminster Elks, the International Order of Rocky Mountain Goats and international Footprint Association Chapter 20. Jim was also a VFW Post Commander for the Green Mountain Post #8240 for a few years and also a Life member of the DAV.

Jim and Donna enjoyed retirement by taking their motorhome to warmer climates in the winter months. This allowed them over the years to make many memories and great friendships along the way.

A couple of Jim’s most memorable experiences in recent years were his Rocky Mountain Honor Flight to Washington DC, getting to spend the time being escorted by his granddaughter, her husband and both of his great grand-sons and the time he was able to attend his grandson’s bowling in a Special Olympics bowling tournament. These were just two of the many memories he made with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Jim was loved and respected by many. Whenever any of his longtime neigh-bors children were setting their wedding dates they would always ask Jim when his elk hunting season started so they didn’t pick a date when he was going to be out of town. This showed the respect and affection they had for him. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be deeply missed by all.

Jim is survived by his brother George Bendt and three children, Bob (Cindy) Bendt, Pam Caldas, Susie Bendt (Duane Milbrett), numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Lela (Harris) and father George Bendt and a sister Joyce (Art) Kroeger.

May you rest in peace, Dad.