Kathleen "Kathy" Bender

Kathleen “Kathy” Bender (nee Wendorff), 91, of West Bend (previously of Brookfield) passed away peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Cedar Community Cottages in West Bend.

She was born on February 8, 1933, to the late Elmer and Marjorie Wendorff (nee Matasek) in Milwaukee. Kathy grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Washington High School. On June 14, 1952, she was united in marriage to Edward Charles Bender in Milwaukee.

Kathy loved to cook and bake. All the holidays were special as the family would come to the Bender household. Kathy also loved her rose garden. She had over twenty rose bushes and each bush had different color blooms. Kathy appreciated nature and enjoyed watching all the wildlife that wandered through the backyard.

Kathy and Edward were avid golfers and played many rounds together and with their friends. She especially treasured spending time with her family and watching the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Those Kathy leaves behind to cherish her memory include her son, Jim (Amy) Bender; four grandchildren, Chris (Sandy) Bender, Katie Ingle, Chris (Kaila) Thompson, and Stephanie (Steve) Samuel; nine great-grandchildren, Elise, Lilly, Samarah, Miles, Cooper, Camden, Finley, Oliver, and Wyatt; sister-in-law, Charlotte Wendorff; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Edward ; daughter, Cheryl Kaiser; sister, Laverne (William) Seder; brother, Donald Wendorff; brother-in-law, Howard (Ruth) Bender; and sister-in-law, Janet (William) Cooper.

A memorial service in remembrance of Kathy will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.

A private family inurnment and graveside service for Kathy and Edward will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veteran Cemetery in Union Grove at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Brookfield Congregational Church in Kathy’s name are appreciated by the family.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Cedar Community (a special thank you to Emma and Becca) and Common Heart Hospice (a special thank you to Mary) for all their help and care.

The Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home of West Bend has been entrusted with Kathy’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.