Richard Loren Bredeken

Richard Loren Bredeken, 85, Benson, Minn., died Saturday, July 17, 2021, at his home in Benson under hospice care.  Visitation will be from 5:00–7:00 p.m., Friday, July 23, 2021, at First Evangelical Free Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 24, 2021, at First Evangelical Free Church in Benson.  Interment will be in the Benson City Cemetery.

Richard Loren Bredeken was born October 3, 1935, in Starbuck, Minnesota, the son of Harry and Johanna (Carlson) Bredeken.  Richard was confirmed in 1949 at the Evangelical Free Church in Benson, by Rev. Loren Carlson.  He was raised in the Benson-Starbuck area where he attended school, graduating from Benson High School.  Richard enjoyed traveling to Arizona, Florida, California, and restoring and collecting old cars from the 50’s and 60’s.

He was united in marriage on April 9, 1960 to Janet Sifferath at the Nazarene Church in Buffalo Lake, MN. Richard grew up farming and was a lifelong farmer in Pope County. Even into his final weeks, he enjoyed going out to check on the farm and the crops. Over the years, Richard worked at Minneapolis Concleco, Armour and Co. in South St. Paul, and Minneapolis-Moline in Minneapolis.

He was a member of the First Evangelical Free Church since birth and was the longest standing member of the church. His involvement in church included Sunday school teacher, deacon, trustee, missionary treasurer, and church secretary. He also drove bus to and from church. He enjoyed reading scriptures and participated in Bible studies.

Richard passed away on July 17, 2021, at his home in Benson.  He attained 85 years, 9 months, and 17 days of age.  Richard is survived by his wife, Janet of 61 years; children: Jill (Kevin) Stevens of Benson, Jay Bredeken of Starbuck; grandchildren: Kajda (Andy) Downs, Kajsey (Kelly Thompson) Stevens, Jakson (Tracy) Stevens, Jenny (Roscoe Fowler) Bredeken, Heather (Chris Molde) Bredeken; great grandchildren: Mary Ann, Augustine, Selah, Blaise, Cressidah; brother: Ronald (Dorothy) Bredeken of Elk River, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Johannah Bredeken; his siblings Alvina Rummel, Harriet Graves, H. Kenneth Bredeken; and his great grandson, Jonah Downs. Blessed be the memory of Richard Loren Bredeken.