Audi Community Mourns Passing of Frank Beddor, Jr
Beddor, Frank Jr. age 83, of Naples, Fla. (who lived most of his life in Minneapolis and Chanhassen, Minn.) died Saturday, Nov. 10, after a brief illness. An entrepreneur and devoted family man, Frank was born in Minneapolis to Frank Beddor, Sr., and Genevieve Nolan Beddor. He was a graduate of St. Thomas Academy and served in the Navy and Army Air Corp, graduating from the University of Minnesota. In 1957, he married Marilyn Branchaud, whom he called the “love and joy” of his life. Along with their four children and eight grandchildren, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2007. An eternal optimist who found promise in obstacle, Frank built and ran more than 20 businesses, including The Tub, a self-service laundry near the University of Minnesota campus, his first endeavor while still a student; and the Ski Antics water-ski show, a Minneapolis Aquatennial favorite. His resourcefulness and creativity led to other business ventures, including the “accidental” launch of a dive shop in Cozumel, Mexico, helping bring tourism and prominence to the region. Frank built an illustrious career in the printing industry, creating a conglomerate that included The Press, Inc. (Chanhassen, MN); The Printer, Inc. (Maple Grove, MN); Viking Press, Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN); McGill-Jensen, Inc. (St. Paul, MN); and Brookshore Litho (Chicago, IL). Also, Danner Press (Canton, OH); and The Press of Ohio (Brimfield, OH); and the Instant Web Companies in Chanhassen (IWCO Direct). In 1987, Frank was inducted into the Printing Hall of Fame. Frank led a life of adventure, hard work, and generosity, with a strong commitment to faith, family and values. Adventures included his 1950 motorcycle trip from Minneapolis to South America with his Great Dane “Rowdy” on board; his 1953 record- setting water-ski trip down the Mississippi River from Minneapolis to New Orleans (1,800 miles) promoting tourism; and hang gliding in Rio at age 79. He loved creating opportunities for others to enjoy. In 1985, Frank founded the Audi Club of America, a national club that includes more than 10,000 Audi enthusiasts today. He organized scuba diving, skiing and skydiving adventures for family and friends, as well as the famous Jog-a-thons, and autocross events in Brainerd and Virginia City, Nev. He was an avid photographer who enjoyed traveling the world. Frank was a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. He felt very blessed by God, and gave back to others. He enjoyed mentoring and advising those who sought his counsel. He gave generously and quietly to many organizations, and in 2002, after learning of the plight of 16 families living in a small Chinese cave village, he helped bring electricity, classrooms, teachers, food, supplies and better living conditions to the group. Much loved by his family and adored as “Bapa” by his grandchildren, Frank will be sadly missed. His family celebrates the love and the life he so generously shared, and the beautiful legacy and vibrant spirit he leaves behind. Frank made a true difference in the lives of many, and his family is grateful for the blessing of an amazing husband, father and grandfather. Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marjorie Warner, Frank is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; sons, Frank Beddor III (Christina Craemer) of Los Angeles; Steven (Gail Dorn) of Chanhassen; and David (Robin) of Chanhassen; and daughter, Michelle of Tucson, Ariz.; and grand- children, Paige, Paris, Elliot, Josephine, Sarah, Cassie, Luc and Zachary. He is also survived by his brother, Bill (Bea) of Victoria; sisters, Nancy Bartel (Gib) of Minneapolis, Sue Nystrom of Minneapolis, Judy Murphy (Bob) of Minneapolis, brother-in-law, Frank Warner, 36 nieces and nephews, and many longtime friends. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, November 16, 2007 at 10:00 am, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 680 Mill Street, Excelsior, MN (952-474-8868). Visitation Thursday 5:00 pm- 7:30 pm, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (Gathering Space) and 1 hour prior to Mass at Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Shorewood, MN. Memorial contributions can be made to Sharing and Caring Hands (Mpls.), The Jeremiah Program for low-income mothers (Mpls.), and Habitat for Humanity (Naples, Fla.). Huber Funeral & Cremation Services The Eden Prairie Chapel 952-949-4970 |