Theodore Edward Bendekgey

Theodore Edward Bendekgey, age 89 of Grand Rapids, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024.  He graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids and was an Army National Guard Veteran.  By profession, he was a master craftsman and wood carver; a skill learned at an early age while working alongside his father, Charles Bendekgey, a Syrian immigrant and sculptor.  Receiving high praise from the Furniture Manufacturer Association as an excellent hand carver, Theodore’s talents were sought out by churches, commercial molding companies, furniture manufacturers and for private commission. His works of art can be found locally, throughout the United States and Canada.

At his studio, 300 carving tools were in regular use to create many complex works. As a specialist in the intricacies of Byzantine carving, he not only carved but also designed the elaborate blueprints approved and commissioned by the Greek and Antiochian Orthodox churches. A well-publicized carving done at his studio was a Byzantine Altar Screen: a wall which divides the sanctuary from the congregation.  It stood 38 feet long by 10 feet high and took a year in making. 

He was further commissioned by an individual in West Virginia to replicate the mural of the "Last Supper" out of a slab of solid white oak.  The 150 pound carving’s completion took over 11 months and stood 3 feet high, 6 feet long and 8 inches thick.  Every intricate detail from the original Da Vinci painting was captured in the carving with Christ and the 12 disciples projecting three dimensionally.  The carving currently resides in the State Museum of Culture and History in West Virginia. 

A new project came his way when he was called upon by Mr. Leo Peters, founder of Butterball Farms to create the first embossed butter pats.  These butter pat designs are found in popular fast-food franchises, theme parks, and the hospitality industry. Each original logo was hand carved from Mahogany wood and used to create the steel butter molds for mass production.

This master carver's talents extended beyond wood carving to other ventures.  He created Damascus Foods to share his Syrian heritage and love for the cuisine.  Baklava, Hummus, and Spinach Pies were produced and sold to grocery stores and specialty shops throughout West Michigan.  

Theodore was preceded in death by his mother, Isabell DeVree (Le Clear); father, Charles Alexander Bendekgey.  He is survived by his children, Edward (Jean) Bendekgey, Dena Bendekgey, Gina (Mark) Figurski, Darla Bendekgey, Shawnda (Tony) Nguyen and Christopher (Etta) Bendekgey; seven grandchildren; sisters Joan (Charles) Briggs, Sandra Brinkert,  Elizabeth (James) Clayton; and several nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held for friends and family on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 10 a.m. to Noon at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509. A private burial will follow.