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Dorothy Bendrick, 88

Dorothy Bendrick passed away in December 2016 at the Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, following a brief illness. She was 88.

Dorothy is survived by her three children; two of her three siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was born in Wisconsin in 1928 and lived there most of her life. She attended La Crosse State Teachers College. She married Wisconsin Conservation Warden Ben Bendrick and they were married for 37 years until Ben’s death. They lived at the Trout Lake Forestry Headquarters, near Boulder Junction, Wis., for 19 years. Then they moved to a home on a picturesque lake in Boulder Junction.

Dorothy worked as a teacher’s assistant at North Lakeland Elementary School for 19 years. She appreciated her many colleagues. She had fond memories of the many children she taught over the years. They were full of energy and promise, and she hoped they would have full and meaningful lives.

Dorothy was a lifelong learner and explorer. Ben and Dorothy took their three children in their tiny trailer and “traveled west” during the summers. Over many years they explored numerous national parks and monuments: Yellowstone, the Black Hills, the Grand Canyon, the Badlands, Devils Tower, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Mount Rushmore. To limit the children bickering in the back seat over the many miles, Dorothy promised a nickel to the first child who saw an antelope (this strategy did not always work). Other favorite stops were Wall Drug and the rodeo in Cody, Wyo. The family also enjoyed visiting an island in Ontario, Canada.

After Ben’s death, Dorothy explored other natural wonders with close friends and family whom she appreciated so much. They in turn, greatly appreciated her kind heart and benefited from her knowledge of Wisconsin flora, trees and birds.

Dorothy especially enjoyed walking in the woods with her friends and canoeing on the Manitowish River near her home. The sights on the river enthralled her: a great blue heron flying overhead, the delicate dew-covered spiderwebs suspended on marsh bushes, turtles “hanging out” together on a floating log, the fog lifting at sunrise, and the gentle moving current. She marveled at God’s handiwork in the northern sky and pointed out the falling stars, meteor showers, the Halley and Hale-Bopp comets, constellations, the moon, and the dancing northern lights. She smiled upon hearing the voices of the north, from the call of the loon and the spring-time symphony of spring peepers and bull frogs, to the hoot of an owl and the howls of coyotes in the distance.

Dorothy also explored the world through books. Over the years, she was a member of book clubs in both Wisconsin and Idaho. Her favorite genres ranged from mysteries to poetry and haikus. A favorite poem was “Summons” by Robert Francis.

When Dorothy made Idaho her home, she enjoyed new sights: the mountains, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille and Fernan Lake. She discovered (and greatly enjoyed!) See’s chocolates. She made new, cherished Idaho friends, while always valuing her Wisconsin friends.

Dorothy treasured God throughout her life. Her favorite hymns were “How Great Thou Art” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” She regularly prayed for her children.

Dorothy was a petite woman with a compassionate and generous heart who graciously welcomed those who visited her. She instilled a love for nature, learning and God into her children. She loved and was loved by her children, family and many friends. She is greatly missed.

No services will be held in Idaho. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to Hospice of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene.

Please visit Dorothy’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.