Herbert "Herb" Odell Bendixson, 86, of Crosby, North Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at St. Luke's Living Center in Crosby.

Herb was born on November 8, 1939, in Williston, North Dakota, to Jacob and Clara Bendixson. He was raised on the family farm and, as an only child, developed the strong work ethic, independence, and love of rural life that would define him throughout his life. Herb graduated from Grenora High School with the class of 1957. When not busy with farming, he and another classmate/friend enjoyed hunting and fishing and played summer softball in Grenora and Zahl.

He was drafted into the army on April 4, 1963 and transferred to Fort Gordon, Georgia, listed as a Military Police (MP). Due to the death of his father, his mother needed him back home to help run the farm, so she wrote the letter to get him discharged which was on October 25, 1963.

Herb met Sharon Pederson at the Grenora Cenex Station where she took care of the books. On October 22, 1978, Herb married the love of his life, at the United Methodist Church in Grenora, North Dakota. Together, Herb, Sharon, and Paulette made their home on the Bendixson farm north of Zahl, where they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage. They enjoyed making yearly trips to the Minot State Fair to see such guests as Kenny Rogers, Statler Brothers, Oakridge Boys, Willis Nelson to name a few. Traveling to Hawaii was a highlight for them.

Herb spent his life farming and ranching north of Zahl, North Dakota, where he was a farmer and rancher, raising Angus and Charolais cattle and cared for the land he loved. The Divide County FFA and Divide County School 20-25 Honored Herb for “Thank A Farmer Day”. Serving on the Zahl Elevator Board, Horizon Resources Cooperative Elevator, Rudser Church Cemetery Board, and a member of the Grenora Color Guard.

He was known for his hard-working spirit, dedication to his family and community, kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone in need. If someone needed a hand, Herb was always there. His considerate nature, warm smile, and great sense of humor made him a friend to many.

Herb was a devoted supporter of his community and took great pride in helping with the annual Fourth of July parade in Grenora. He was civic-minded and always willing to volunteer wherever needed. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Fixing on old tractors and making yearly trips to attend the Minnesota Twins games with close friends. Later he would take his grandsons with him when they came to visit in the summer. A devoted Minnesota Twins fan, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite team. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Herb enjoyed watching classic westerns and television favorites, including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Rifleman, and Mash. His quick wit and wonderful sense of humor brought laughter to those around him and created many cherished memories.

Herb is survived by his daughter, Paulette (Kevin) Houska of Pukwana, South Dakota; grandsons, Brandon (Rebecca) Houska and their baby, Roy of Chamberlain, South Dakota, Jared Houska of Mount Vernon, South Dakota, and Trevor Houska of Chamberlain, South Dakota; sisters-in-law, Sandra (Dennis) Peterson of Grenora, North Dakota, and Darcia (Steve) Larsen of Culbertson, Montana; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon; his parents, Jacob and Clara Bendixson; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Paul and Helen Pederson; sister-in-law, Shirley Raivo; and brothers-in-law, Allan, Richard, Paul Jr., and Daniel.