Obituary
Keaton Michael Bendel
Keaton Michael Bendel, 25, of Onalaska, Wisconsin died Saturday, January 18, 2020. Keaton was born May 21, 1994, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Tari (Brewster) Gullickson and Blake Bendel. Keaton was a 2012 graduate of Holmen High School.
In 2011, he became a father to a baby boy, Bryson Alexander. Bryson became his world. Keaton was a great father and enjoyed spending time with Bryson wrestling, watching movies and gaming. In 2017, Keaton became the happiest man in the world when Xalene Mills agreed to become his wife. They were to be married on October 3, 2020.
Keaton loved spending time with his family, fishing with Darwin, and drinking Spotted Cow with buddies. Gaming was a huge part of his life and his online community became part of his family.
He leaves behind fiance and love of his life, Xalene Mills, beloved son Bryson Bendel, parents Tari and Darwin Gullickson, all of Onalaska, brother Cameron (Alicia Becker) Bendel of Galesville, sister Makenna Gullickson of Onalaska, grandparents Sue Yehle and Mike Brewster, both of La Crescent, great grandmothers Helen Foster and Marlene Brewster, both of La Crescent. He is further survived by father-in-law Matt (Amy Andrews) Mills, sisters-in-law Xenah (Jayson Roraff) Mills, and Xeta Mills all of Onalaska, brothers-in-law, Xane and Gage Andrews of Onalaska; nephews and nieces: Dominic Bendel, Aiden, Adrianna, and Avya Roraff, Adrianne Becker, godparents Nikki (Mike) Mades of Dakota, Minnesota and Mimi and Steve Vidaurri of Saline, Michigan, numerous aunts and uncles, and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Blake Bendel, and grandparents Rick and Carol Bendel and grandfather, John Yehle.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 22 from 4-7 p.m. and Thursday, January 23, from 9-11 a.m. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. Visitation and memorial will be held at Coulee Region Cremation, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.
My sympathy and prayers for the families.
Miss you already fly high always thinking of you will never forget
I am so sorry about Keaton. Your family is in my prayers
RIP Keaton! I will never forget you! Such a great, polite young man! I still can’t believe this. Gone way to early! Watch over Bryson and Xalene buddy and all of us family and friends. So very sorry and my deepest condolences!
R.I.P Keaton you sure will be missed so much!
Your beautiful family is in our thoughts & prayers! We are so very sorry for your loss. Gone too soon but he will never be forgotten. Rest in paradise Keaton. If you need anything at all feel free to count on us! Lots of love & light sending your way!
Our sympathy to your families. You have the greatest smile and so kind. you will be missed. John, Stacy, Spencer and Christian Wera
I’m sorry for your lost in my condolences to the family ❤️
Prayers are being sent to all of you. We can ony imagine the loss of a son so young that has also left a young son.
May God give you strength and peace.
Wayne and Renee Valk
So sorry for the loss of your child!! Looks just like his daddy. Prayers to your entire family.
Sympathies to all. Thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends.
I am in such shock. Keaton, I may not have known your family too well but I have a few things to say.
First of all to his parents. I have a daughter his age and there is no way I can imagine losing a child, especially at 25! I can’t wrap my head around it.
Xalene, he loved you. You and Bryson were absolutely his life. He loved his life with you two in it!
Bryson, your Dad loved you, it showed just by the way he looked at you and spent his time with you. He would’ve given it all up for you.
I wish you all comfort and prayers in this difficult time.
Keaton, RIP
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
I didn’t know Keaton but have volunteered with Tari. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am in such shock. Keaton, I may not have known your family too well but I have a few things to say.
First of all to his parents. I have a daughter his age and there is no way I can imagine losing a child, especially at 25! I can’t wrap my head around it.
Xalene, he loved you. You and Bryson were absolutely his life. He loved his life with you two in it!
Bryson, your Dad loved you, it showed just by the way he looked at you and spent his time with you. He would’ve given it all up for you.
I wish you all comfort and prayers in this difficult time.
Keaton, RIP
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so very sorry Tari. I am praying for you and your family. If I can help carry your burden in any way…please reach out.