Jonathan (Jon) Donovan Bednar, 32, of Willow River, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly on his way to work on September 21, 2026 from a pre-existing medical condition. He was born on May 21, 1994 to Dwaine and Colleen (Hanson) Bednar in Moose Lake, Minnesota. The youngest of five children, Jon, was often seen trailing his older siblings around the family farm west of Willow River. He was full of adventure from the start with a determination to keep up with his siblings, especially his brothers, no matter what the circumstances. Jon attended Willow River School graduating in 2012. Jon looked up to his brothers and followed in their footsteps as he got older, playing sports, helping on the family farm, and working in construction as an operator until his passing.

Jon was an avid hunter, excellent marksman, and loved spending his time outdoors. He enjoyed dirt biking, riding four-wheelers, snowmobiling, driving tractors, and gaming. His favorite times were with his family and friends. His nieces and nephews meant the world to him and he was loved equally by them. Jon was often the adventure filled “wild” uncle, who would parachute into their lives full of mischief and that wily look in his eyes to have some fun. The other major light in his life were his friends. He truly loved and enjoyed all of his friends – he cherished every moment he had with them and was always ready to do anything. Jon also enjoyed helping his mom in the garden and watching sports with his dad. He was a very kind-hearted person who was always ready to help those around him and he will be greatly missed.

Jon was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dwaine Bednar Sr., and maternal grandfather, Donovan Hanson. He is survived by his parents, Dwaine and Colleen Bednar of Willow River, MN, siblings Jennifer Bednar of Boulder, CO, Joshua (Jill) Bednar of Hinckley, MN, Joseph (Taylor) Bednar of Willow River, MN, and Jillian Jamnick of Finlayson, MN, nieces and nephews, Madison, Jackson, Adeline, Bryar, Oliver, Emmie Jo, Royal, Ally, Maren, Lilah, Georgia, Evie, and another niece or nephew on the way, and grandmothers Anna Teppo of Fruitdale, SD and Janet Hanson of Sandstone, MN. He has left behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and his dearest friends Reed and Nathan Romanowski, Courtney Scott, Kenny Eaton, and Cody Rosa.

Services for Jon will be held Monday September 28, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN with visitation from 10-11 am and the funeral starting immediately after. Lunch will be provided after the service. He will be cremated and his family will plant a tree and have a bench for a memorial on the family farm.