Col. Richard L. Bender, 68, of Marquette, formerly of Mayville, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2014, at his home with his family at his side.
He was born on June 9, 1946, in Beaver Dam, the son of the late Harland Bender and Ethel (nee Schultz) Gensmer, and on November 10, 1967, he was united in marriage to Margaret Schultz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brownsville.
Richard attended Mayville High School and proudly served his country in the U. S. Air Force stationed at Omaha, Nebraska. Richard worked at Mayville Engineering for many years.
Richard had many accomplishments, including being a licensed auctioneer, private pilot and ordained minister. He had been an NRA member for many years as well as a member of the American Legion Post 69 of Mayville. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, boating, mechanics, tinkering, shooting, but especially enjoying time with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew him.
Those Richard leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Margaret; three children Robin (Brad) Radtke of Sahuarita, Arizona, Robert (Jessica) Bender of Ventura, California and Rita (John) Frey of Campbellsport; 11 grandchildren, Rachael, Melissa, Bethany, Jasmine and Josiah Radtke, Jordan, Zachary (fiancée, Ashley) and Tiana Bender, Meghan, Sarah, and Kaylee Frey and one great granddaughter, Zoe; three brothers, Lloyd (Helen) and Jerry Bender both of Grand Marsh and Wayne (Angie) Bender of Mayville, five stepbrothers, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by five sisters and a stepbrother.
A Memorial Service for Richard was held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2014, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Manchester with Rev. Mike Plagenz officiating.
Richard’s family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services.
The Kietzer-Miller Funeral Home in Lomira was entrusted with Richard’s arrangements.
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He was born on June 9, 1946, in Beaver Dam, the son of the late Harland Bender and Ethel (nee Schultz) Gensmer, and on November 10, 1967, he was united in marriage to Margaret Schultz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brownsville.
Richard attended Mayville High School and proudly served his country in the U. S. Air Force stationed at Omaha, Nebraska. Richard worked at Mayville Engineering for many years.
Richard had many accomplishments, including being a licensed auctioneer, private pilot and ordained minister. He had been an NRA member for many years as well as a member of the American Legion Post 69 of Mayville. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, boating, mechanics, tinkering, shooting, but especially enjoying time with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew him.
Those Richard leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Margaret; three children Robin (Brad) Radtke of Sahuarita, Arizona, Robert (Jessica) Bender of Ventura, California and Rita (John) Frey of Campbellsport; 11 grandchildren, Rachael, Melissa, Bethany, Jasmine and Josiah Radtke, Jordan, Zachary (fiancée, Ashley) and Tiana Bender, Meghan, Sarah, and Kaylee Frey and one great granddaughter, Zoe; three brothers, Lloyd (Helen) and Jerry Bender both of Grand Marsh and Wayne (Angie) Bender of Mayville, five stepbrothers, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by five sisters and a stepbrother.
A Memorial Service for Richard was held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2014, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Manchester with Rev. Mike Plagenz officiating.
Richard’s family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services.
The Kietzer-Miller Funeral Home in Lomira was entrusted with Richard’s arrangements.