Frank J. Bavendick

Frank J. Bavendick, 87, Bismarck, died March 8, 2018, at Sanford Health, Bismarck. Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, March 13, at First Presbyterian Church, 214 E Thayer Ave., Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm Monday, March 12, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a masonic prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.  Following graveside services, fellowship and luncheon will be held in the Bavendick State Room at the BSC Energy Center. Franklin Joel Bavendick was born August 1, 1930 to Frank and Lydia (Schmierer) Bavendick in Bismarck, North Dakota. Frank grew up in Bismarck attending grade school and graduating from Bismarck High School in 1948. In high school, Frank (who was inducted into the North Dakota High School Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2016) was in football, basketball and track, and he lettered all four years.  One of Bismarck High School guiding principles can be read above the entrance. It states, “I dedicate myself to a life of service and usefulness in my community.” Frank continued to live his life guided by that principle. After high school, he attended UND for a year, returned to Bismarck and attended Bismarck Junior College for a year, and then finished his college career at the University of North Dakota, where he continued to excel in track and field graduating in 1952. This led to a life-long interest in track & field, rarely missing a State Track & Field meet. Frank married Joanne Meyer on December 5, 1953, in Bismarck North Dakota, where they raised their 3 children. Frank began his career in oil and gas exploration with a major oil company, serving in the accounting and land departments throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Returning to North Dakota in 1963, he established Westex Petroleum Corporation, dealing in oil and gas exploration properties, as well as farming and real estate interests throughout the state of North Dakota. Frank was an integral part of numerous organizations throughout North Dakota and, most specifically, Bismarck. His generous support helped fund Bismarck’s Salvation Army building, the soccer field at the Bismarck Community Bowl and he made the lead gift for the new YMCA Wellness Center building in Bismarck. He also established scholarships at Bismarck State College, the University of North Dakota and the University of Mary. Many organizations have benefited from Frank’s leadership and vision, such as serving 17 years as President and a total of 36 years as a board member for the Tom and Frances Leach Foundation, 6 years with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, many years as board member and served as president for one year of the American Association of Professional Landmen, co-founder of the North Dakota Oil PAC which has helped fund politically conservative and business minded candidates running for state offices in North Dakota, Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission appointed by Governor of North Dakota for 8 years, and many others. Frank was the recipient of numerous awards including the ND National Leadership Award of Excellence, the UND Sioux Award, the BSC Distinguished Service Citation and Landman of the Year from the Landman’s Association of ND, elected to Bismarck High School Hall of Fame honoring students who achieved success, elected to Century High School Hall of Fame for philanthropy, elected to Bismarck State College Athletic Hall of Fame for financial support to BSC Athletics and Students, and the Council for Resources Development selected Frank as Community College Benefactor of the Year representing all U.S. two year institutions for his gifts made to Bismarck State College. He enjoyed the outdoors which included hunting with his dogs (Ginger and Millie), hiking, skiing, and looking for Indian artifacts. Frank enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling with Joanne, and meeting interesting people along the way. His log home and Coronado/San Diego, CA, were his favorite places to spend time with his loving wife and family. As a member of the Bismarck Masonic Lodge he belonged to the El Zagel Shrine, Dusters, Jesters, and a life member of the Elks. His spirituality started at a young age when his mother would recite this Bible verse: “All things work together for good to those who Love GOD” His generosity has had a positive impact on many lives throughout the years and his legacy of giving will continue for years to come. All that knew him will remember his unique sense of humor and positive outlook on life. You were a true patriot to your family, community, state, and country. You will be dearly missed by many. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joanne Bavendick; his children, Kelli (Jeff) Herman, Greg (Yvette) Bavendick; his grandson, Kyle (Kristen) Herman; his great-grandchildren, Kira and Kamden Herman; his step-grandchildren, Derrick (Amanda), Nathan, Mathew Hecker; his step-great-grandchildren, Hunter, Ryder, and Hailie Hecker; his sister, Dolores Harrington; his sister-in-law, Leone Strandemo; and numerous nieces and nephews. Frank was greeted at Heaven’s gate by his parents; his sister, Mary Jean Lamb; his son, Brad Bavendick; and his grandson, Tyler Joel Herman. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Frank’s name to Central Dakota Humane Society, 2104 37th St, Mandan, ND, 58554.