Berit Irene Bendickson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, December 28, 2019
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 86

Berit Irene Ingebrigtsen was born September 10, 1933, in Bergen, Norway, the daughter of Bernt and Ingrid (Sperrevik) Ingebrigtsen. She grew up in Bergen where she received her education. She graduated from high school in 1952. Berit then attended business college while she was waiting for her immigration paperwork to come through so she could go to the United States. In December, Berit received her paperwork.

On February 12, 1953, she came to the United States with Nels Haugland, who was in Norway for his mother’s 85th birthday. After an 11-day boat ride across the ocean, and dodging a hurricane, she arrived in New York. From Grand Central Station in New York, she took a two-day train ride to Minneapolis then took the bus to Pierre. Nels’ family picked them up in Pierre and took them to Murdo. Inga and Bob Blair then picked up Berit in Murdo and took her to their ranch north of Philip. (Berit knew Inga’s father Paul as he stayed in Norway for two years). Gladys and Johnny Kuchenbecker first met her at the Blair home, and Berit took a job helping Gladys with the children as they ran the 24-hour Highway Cafe in Philip. Three and a half months later, Berit was able to get a job with Dr. Ole Hvam in Quinn. During that time, Berit met a GI who was home on leave named Floyd “Speed” Bendickson at the Blair Ranch.

Berit and Floyd were united in marriage on October 2, 1954. From this blessed union four children were born. They started their marriage at the Ramey’s ranch from 1955-1956, and then worked for Bob and Inga Blair from 1956 to 1959. In 1959, they moved to Milesville where they leased and worked a ranch for ten years until 1969. Eventually they purchased their own ranch in Cottonwood in January 1970. On February 1, 1970, Berit went to work for Hanson’s Super Valu. After Hans sold the grocery store, Berit continued to work for Corky Thorson at Corky’s Super Valu until retiring.

Floyd and Berit sold their ranch and moved into Philip on September 14, 2006. Her husband Floyd “Speed” Bendickson died July 10, 2013. After his death Berit continued to make her home in Philip.

Berit was a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Bad River Senior Citizens, both of Philip. Berit was also a regular at the Ladies Luncheon prior to their weekly Bridge game. Berit loved to cook and to keep up her Norwegian traditions as anyone that stopped by her home can attest to.

Survivors include a daughter JoAnn West and her husband Doug of Philip; two sons Kieth Bendickson of Forest Grove, Oregon, and Kent Bendickson and his wife Diana of Spearfish; eight grandchildren: Branden West, Zachary West, Benjamin, Nathan and Jeremy Bendickson, Sarah, Melissa, and Erik Bendickson; Five great-grandchildren: Cooper, Cappie, Jaycie, Eastan, Elizabeth; two sisters Edith Toft and Ingrid Holgersen and her husband Erling; nieces and nephew all of Bergen, Norway; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband Speed, Berit was preceded in death by a son Floyd B. Bendickson; grandson Jeremiah Bendickson; her parents Bernt and Ingrid Ingebrigtsen; and a brother-in-law Herman Toft.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Service Details

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Guest Book

Dear friends, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother Berit.We were friends for a long time. Kieth and Kent remember the times you and Jeff rode you bicycles to Cottonwood and back to Philip? We always enjoyed having you boys with our family. I never did get straight which was Kent and Which was Keith. My prayers are with all of the family. Your mom is now with the love of her life--Speed. She told me many times how much she missed him and how she went to church nearly every day to pray to the Lord that they would soon be reunited in the hereafter. Now here they are together in the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
   ~ Jo Anne Stilwell Kadoka, S.D. (1/2/2020)
My condolences to the family.
   ~ Jeff Stilwell Long Island, New York (12/29/2019)
We are so sorry for your loss! Berit was one of the first people I met in Philip, at the grocery store. She was SO very kind! We are sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
   ~ Vonda and Jason Hamill Milesville, SD (12/31/2019)
I'm so sorry to hear of Berit's passing. She was such a sweet and classy lady. Thinking of all you and sending prayers of comfort.
   ~ Myrna Kary Bullhead City, AZ (2/11/2020)
We are so sorry to hear this. May God bless the family. Remember all the wonderful memories.
   ~ Kenny and Nancy Neville Philip (12/30/2019)
so sorry to hear about your mom, all the family is in my prayers
   ~ Joann Stark from Cottonwood now IA (12/31/2019)
So sorry to hear of Berit's passing. She was also so sweet with a kind word to share. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
   ~ Brock & Brittany Smith Philip, SD (12/31/2019)
We are thinking of you folks during this time of loss. Hold on to the memories, she was a kind woman.
   ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (12/29/2019)
Condolences to all the family. Berit was so kind. She is going to be so missed. I remember when the boys wrestled years back. She absolutely hated to watch. Made her a wreck, but she went to their meets. What memories you can share. Gods Blessings to all.
   ~ Shirley Dennis Philip, SD (12/29/2019)
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs for comfort.
   ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (12/31/2019)
So sorry for your loss,I so enjoyed visiting with Barit.Thoughts and prayers.
   ~ Georgia Moos Philip (12/29/2019)
So sorry for your loss. Berit was a sweet lady and always enjoyed visiting with her. God Bless
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (12/29/2019)
So sorry to hear of Berit's passing. Our sympathy to all your family.
   ~ Joyce and Ed Buchholz (12/29/2019)
Berit was a beautiful lady I loved her and enjoyed her since meeting her she will be greatly missed condolences to the family!
   ~ Gina Thorson Philip, SD (12/29/2019)
So sorry for your loss! She was such a wonderful lady!!
   ~ Nathan Drury Philip (12/29/2019)