Donald Francis Bendt, 81 of Piedmont SD passed away April 15, 2015 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Born 11/11/33 in Endemics MN and raised in Lead SD by his parents Hugo and Loretta (Kelley) Bendt. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Ann Bendt Mindt and good friend Ortie Swanson. Donald graduated High School in Lead SD and college at Black Hills State. After serving in the US Navy, from 1951 to 1954 he went home to work at the Homestake Gold Mine until he retired in 1987. Donald is survived by his wife of 47 years Judi Heaivilin Bendt; sons Michael, and Jordan and daughter Brandalyn Walker; seven grandchildren had the privilege of calling him Grandpa; Tara, Kara, Sara and Trevor Bendt and Brooklyn, Tyler and Jack Walker. Donald was a great family man, husband and father. He was a life time member of the Rapid City Kennel Club. His body was destroyed by Rheumatoid Arthritis, but that didn't stop him from fishing with his best friend Jerry Root or watching his granddaughters softball games as much as possible; having Brooklyn cut his hair and sneaking out with the kids for dinner when Judi was out of town. He enjoyed joking and talking to most of the Boarding Kennel customers when they would bring and pick up their pets. His family and friends will always remember him as kind, caring, generous and a real character. His beloved dogs are already missing his lap and treats. In his last few days he joked with the hospital staff that he was always surrounded by bossy women. Even in death he will be joining Ortie, the bossiest of us all.