ESTHERVILLE — Jason Robert Bendixen, 54, of Estherville, a local businessman and dependable community supporter who loved motorcycles, powerful machines and time with his grandchildren, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at his home following a brief battle with lung cancer.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 13, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Visitation was held Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
No burial or interment information was announced.
Jason was born September 12, 1971, in Estherville to Robert Bendixen and Sandi Langmo Woodley. He graduated from Estherville High School in 1989 and briefly attended Iowa State University.
He later moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he spent approximately 17 years selling automobiles and completing home-improvement work.
Jason returned to Estherville in 2005, drawn back to the community that had remained close to his heart.
He worked for Jacobson-Westergard and Associates for 17 years before becoming the owner of Sun City Tanning Salon in Estherville.
Jason married Sara Miller Montandon on August 12, 2017, in Estherville. Together, they supported numerous community activities and organizations.
Jason served on the Estherville Sweet Corn Days Committee, participated in the Estherville Ambassadors and was a former member of the Estherville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Although he sometimes playfully complained about the work involved, Jason consistently appeared when his community needed assistance. His willingness to become involved reflected the genuine affection he held for his hometown.
Jason enjoyed nearly anything equipped with an engine. Motorcycle trips, four-wheeler outings, snowmobile rides and time with his Corvette all brought him tremendous enjoyment.
He also appreciated loud music, a good tan and the company of family and friends. Gatherings around the fires he built at home became a familiar tradition.
Some of Jason’s happiest moments were spent outdoors with his grandchildren, often working together on a project or examining how something operated.
Jason is survived by his wife, Sara Bendixen; children Melissa Bendixen, Joseph Bendixen, and Michael and Kylie Moore; stepchildren Justin and Amy Montandon, Zach and Molly Montandon, and Carissa and Wade Chambers; and grandchildren Jase, Riley, Brayden, Braylee, Easton, Aria and Mara.
He is also survived by his mother, Sandi Woodley; stepmother, Janet Bendixen; stepsisters Shane and Todd Wilmes and Stacie and Bruce Ring; and other relatives and friends.
Jason was preceded in death by his father, Robert Bendixen; stepfather, Gary Woodley; maternal grandparents Clayton Langmo and Juanita and Harold Elwood; and paternal grandparents Roy Bendixen and Darlene Seylar.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred for Kirby Place at Walsh Family Village, a division of Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory of Estherville is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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