Wilbur A. Bender

BENDER, CONGDON, NELSON, OSBORNE, OLSON, KRESS

Posted By: dbeier (email)
Date: 2/28/2008 at 15:52:46

Independence - Wilbur A. Bender, 94 years old, of Oelwein, Iowa, formerly of Independence, Iowa, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at Oelwein Health Care Center in Oelwein following a short illness. He was born on March 17, 1912, in Buchanan County near Winthrop, Iowa, the son of Arthur Jay and Hazel Muria (Congdon) Bender. He attended the Liberty Township School in Buchanan County. On March 3, 1935, he and Evelyn Esther Nelson were married in Rowley, Iowa. She preceded him in death in 2003. The Benders farmed in Fayette County and Buchanan County until they retired in 1968. They wintered in Texas for 19 years and also enjoyed travel to Canada for fishing. Mr. Bender’s grandchildren were always important to him. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Independence, Iowa, and the Farm Bureau.
Mr. Bender is survived by 3 sons, Roger (Shirley) Bender of Maynard, Iowa, Larry (Jane) Bender of Oelwein, Iowa, and John (Anne) Bender of Jesup, Iowa, 7 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Charles Bender of Davenport, Iowa, and Arthur Bender of Whittier, California, 1 sister-in-law, Beverly Osborne of Independence, Iowa, and 1 brother-in-law, Max Nelson of Independence, Iowa.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Clyde Bender, George Bender, and Lloyd Bender, 2 sisters, Blanche Olson and Ona Kress, and 1 granddaughter, Peggy Sue.
Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2006, at the First Baptist Church in Independence, Iowa, with Dr. David A. Larson officiating. Music was provided by Mr. Derek Newton, organist, and Dr. David A. Larson, vocal soloist. Honorary Casket Bearers were Paul Depcik and Don Rodden. Casket Bearers were Todd Bender, Randy Flynn, Jamie Stark, Ken Charipar, Rick Vierow, and Cale Swanson. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, Iowa.
White Funeral Home of Independence was in charge of arrangements. A Memorial Fund for the American Cancer Society has been established.