Obituaries : Eric Benjamin Bendickson

"Draw Me A Butterfly"

Eric Benjamin Bendickson, age 40, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Vinton, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February, 22, 2025 at his home in Cedar Rapids.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 7, 2025 at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton, with Rev. Stephen Preus officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until service time on Friday, also at the Funeral Home. A reception will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, following the service.

Eric was born on January 29, 1985, in Cedar Rapids, the son of John and Michelle (Parmenter) Bendickson. He attended Vinton-Shellsburg High School and graduated with the class of 2003. Eric suffered from autism, but was able to further his education, earning a BA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and a Masters Degree from the School of the Arts Institute in Chicago. He also studied abroad in Ireland.

Eric was an accomplished artist, working in oils, pastels and watercolors. He painted landscapes and surrealistic paintings in vibrant colors. Eric was a free spirit, always an artist in fact and practice. He loved the outdoors, and was especially fond of the water.

He is survived by his parents, John and Michelle Bendickson of Vinton; sister, Amanda (Stewart Wilkin) Bendickson of Vinton; brother, Matthew (Sarah Mihm) Bendickson of Johnston; niece Raina Wilkin; and his maternal grandmother, Judith A. Parmenter.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Glenn and Margaret Bendickson; and maternal grandfathers, Wayne Parmenter, and Darrell Peshel.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com