John Gilbert Bendele

John Gilbert Bendele, 83, died March 25, 2020, peacefully at his home with his daughters and caregiver Laurie Casper at his side. John was born June 11, 1936, in Jackson, Mich., to Silvarius and Eleanora ” Hasenkamp” Bendele.

He went to Cement City High School and graduated with an Adult Education Certificate in welding in 1955. John was also proud to be in Local Union No. 111 in Denver, Colo., and was also a line equipment operator in 1984. He started his own business as “Bendele Fill Dirt, Sand and Gravel”, from a gravel pit in his backyard in the early 1960s. John later started his seawall business and made it a lifelong career. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was a parishioner at St. Rita Catholic Church in Clarklake, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Silvarius and Eleanora Hasenkamp Bendele; brothers, Sylvester and James Bendele and sister, Arline Bickham. He is survived by four children, son, David (Pam) Bendele, daughters, Bernadette (Michael) Frost, Mary (Keith) Frost and son, Joseph (wife) Bendele. John is the grandfather to eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his sister, Jeannette Taylor, and brothers, William Bendele Sr. and Edward Bendele.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Meals on Wheels, or Friends of Jackson Seniors.