Printing Industry Loses an Elder Statesman, Frank Beddor

Frank Beddor, Jr., age 83, of Naples, FL (who lived most of his life in Minneapolis and Chanhassen, MN) died on November 10 after a brief illness. An entrepreneur and devoted family man, Frank was born in Minneapolis to Frank Beddor, Sr., and Genevieve Nolan Beddor. He was a graduate of St. Thomas Academy and served in the Navy and Army Air Corp, graduating from the University of Minnesota. In 1957, he married Marilyn Branchaud, whom he called the “love and joy” of his life. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2007.

An eternal optimist who found promise in obstacle, he built and ran more than 20 businesses, including The Tub, a self-service laundry near the University of Minnesota campus, his first endeavor while still a student; and the Ski Antics water-ski show, a Minneapolis Aquatennial favorite. His resourcefulness and creativity led to other business ventures, including the “accidental” launch of a dive shop in Cozumel, Mexico, helping bring tourism and prominence to the region.

Frank built an illustrious career in the printing industry, creating a conglomerate that included The Press, Inc. (Chanhassen, MN); The Printer, Inc. (Maple Grove, MN); Viking Press, Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN); McGill-Jensen, Inc. (St. Paul, MN); and Brookshore Litho (Chicago, IL). Also, Danner Press (Canton, OH); and The Press of Ohio (Brimfield, OH); and the Instant Web Companies in Chanhassen (IWCO Direct). In 1987, Frank was inducted into the Printing Hall of Fame.

Frank led a life of adventure, hard work, and generosity, with a strong commitment to faith, family and values. Adventures included his 1950 motorcycle trip from Minneapolis to South America with his Great Dane “Rowdy” on board; his 1953 record-setting water-ski trip down the Mississippi River from Minneapolis to New Orleans (1,800 miles) promoting tourism; and hang gliding in Rio at age 79.