The funeral service for Virginia Bendix, 94, of Belview, will be Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Echo. A visitation will take place at Sunset Funeral Home in Echo on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, from 5:00—7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place after the service at Echo City Cemetery.
Virginia Marie Horman was born May 28, 1925 in Prairieville Township, Brown County, Minnesota to parents Otto and Marie (Grundmeyer) Horman. Virginia was confirmed in Christ at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cobden, MN. She graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1943; upon graduation, she traveled with her brother Virgil to the West Coast where she worked for the State of Washington in Olympia, WA. After moving back to Minnesota, Virginia worked as an assistant manager of a Red Owl grocery store. It was during this time that she met and was courted by Robert Bendix. Virginia and Robert were united in Holy Matrimony on December 6, 1953. They lived and worked on a family farm west of Echo. They were blessed with three sons: Wyatt, Scott, and Paul. In the winter of 1968, they moved their family to the town of Echo and continued to farm.
Somehow between working the farm, raising three boys, and preparing multiple meals a day, Virginia still found time to be active in their church, Peace Lutheran Church. She loved to play cards, visit with friends and family, and take scenic drives with Robert. After they gave up farming, Virginia drove a school bus and later worked at B&H Electronics in Marshall. Following Robert’s death, she served as one of the volunteers at Hope Market in Echo, drove herself to visit shut-ins, and spear-headed outings with other widows.
In March of 2017, following recovery from a broken hip, Virginia moved to Parkwood Apartments in Belview, MN. Her new friends and loving staff were instantly embraced as family. She would sit for hours visiting with them, making new memories, telling stories, and laughing. Her soul always connected to others on a deep level–to know her was to love her. In September 2019, a rapid decline in health made it necessary for Virginia to move to Parkview Home. On October 12, 2019 she went peacefully home to God at the age of 94 years. She was surrounded by her three sons and daughters-in-law.
Virginia Bendix was preceded in death by her husband Robert (2002), her parents, her in-laws, and her four brothers Virgil, Eldon, Lincoln, and Kermit.
She is survived by her three beloved sons and their spouses: Wyatt (Barb) of Echo; Scott (Deb) of St. Cloud; and Paul (Jolene) of Wyoming, MN. She is also survived by her eight (all favorites) grandchildren: David (Jennifer) of New Ulm, Bradley (Kristen) of Fond du Lac, WI, Danny (Emily) of Rochester; Grant (Cassie) of Zimmerman, Elizabeth (Jonathan) of Kodiak, AK, Blake of Minneapolis; Michael (Megan) of Sauk Centre, and Aaron of Wyoming. Finally, ten spirited great-grandchildren: Mikayla, Brennan; Caleb, Natalie, Jonah, Kaitlin; Jacob, Joshua, Thomas; and Harper.
Virginia was a true friend to all who knew her, and she was a wise and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Virginia treasured nothing more than her Faith, Family, and Friends. She embodied Christ-like goodness, kindness, and love. Virginia would want each of us to love one another, as God loves us.
