Obituary of Kathryn Gunhild (Bendel) Bedford

Kathryn “Kathy” Gunhild (Bendel) Bedford

Bedford, Kathryn “Kathy” G. age 81, formerly of Excelsior and Chanhassen, MN, died peacefully Friday, October 30, 2020. Her journey here ended, but her life eternal in Heaven goes on forever. She was born on December 26, 1938 as the seventh child to Grace Charlotte Larson Bendel and Paul Michael Bendel, in Madison, MN. Kathy graduated from Madison High School in 1956 at the age of 17. Kathy graduated from St. Gabriel School of Nursing, Little Falls, MN on October 16, 1961. Kathy continued the Nursing profession of her mother “my Angel,” Grace Bendel, serving many different nursing roles throughout her career. Kathy went to Nassau, Bahamas as a missionary nurse for the love of God, and “God ended up giving us a lot of fun.” Kathy’s most enjoyment was working as a labor and delivery nurse at Glenwood Hills Hospital, in Golden Valley, MN, where all three of her sons were born. Kathy worked her later years as a Hospice RN and administered thousands of flu shots with MVNA. Kathy and her family are grateful for the compassion and skill of all the Aides and Nurses who cared for her over the past two years. Kathy was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Excelsior, MN since 1978, where she sang with the choir, the schola, and as a soloist. She had a beautiful soprano voice. Kathy sang at many funerals and weddings. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 45 years, Keith; parents, Grace and Paul Bendel; brothers, David, Raphael, Robert, and Charles Bendel. Kathy is survived by her children, Kal (Kari) Bedford, David Bedford, and Michael (Nicole) Bedford; Granddaughters Catherine (Cate) Duffey, and Grace, Paige and Brooke Bedford; sister, Carol (Sam) Skoien; brother, Tom (Darlene) Bendel; many nieces and nephews, including one of her angels, Kim Bendel Johnson; Godchildren; Rick Bendel, Cathy Wieme, Megan Malecek, Craig Cartwright, Bradley Jackson, and Ginny Swartz. She was thankful for faith in God, her family, and many Forever Friends. We love Mammy forever. Prayer Service and Visitation, Thursday, November 5, 2020, 5-8 PM at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 680 Mill Street, Excelsior, MN 55331. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, November 6, 2020, beginning with a Rosary Service at 11:30 AM. Please arrive No Later Than 11:45 AM. Private Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Shorewood, immediately after Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the St. John’s Catholic Church Music Program. After Mass, you’re welcome to join the family at Maynard’s Excelsior Wharf. Condolences to family at 3815 Eagle Nest DR, Minnetrista, MN 55375.