Robert L. “Bob” Bidinger, 81, of Sartell died May 13 at his home after a long battle with cancer surrounded by his family. His funeral was held May 20 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell. The Rev. Ronald Weyrens officiated and burial was in the parish cemetery.
Bidinger was born May 8, 1941 in St. Cloud to Fredrick and Loretta (Theisen) Bidinger. He married Violet “Vi” McNeal on June 20, 1961 and they were members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Bidinger enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family. He will always be remembered for his quick witty comments and his great sense of humor.
Survivors include the following: his son, Bryan (Cindy Dorr) of Sartell; daughters, Lori Tchida (Rich Kitzmiller) of Sartell, Janet (Jeff) Skinner of Sartell and Kris (Burl) Ives of Grand Rapids; sister, Mary Ann (Kenny) Petron of Sartell; 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vi on Oct. 14, 2020; brother Gene; sisters, Marcy Traut and Laverne Kruchten.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CentraCare Hospice.
Von Pinnon has been publishing the St. Joseph Newsleader since 1989, the Sartell-St. Stephen Newsleader since 1995 and the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader since 2015. She graduated from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with degrees in mass communications (with an emphasis on print journalism) and biology. She lives in southeast St. Cloud with her husband and two children.