Anne Eleanor Bender

BENDER, BRANDRUP, CHARIPAR, DEPCIK, FOXHOVEN, HAILE, ROTHMAN, STARK

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 10/8/2024 at 15:39:37

Anne Eleanor Bender, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, after a brief illness. She was under the compassionate care of ABCM Rehab Centers of Independence, Iowa, and Cedar Valley Hospice.

Born on July 15, 1941, in Sandwich, Illinois, Anne was the beloved daughter of Leonard Arnold Brandrup and Eleanor Anne Brandrup (née Haile).

In 1955, Anne relocated with her family to Charles City, Iowa, where she attended and graduated from Charles City High School. Her love for the arts led her to pursue higher education at Oberlin College and Conservatory, where she became an active member of the school choir, performing in prominent venues in cities such as New York City. Following three years of study at Oberlin, Anne furthered her education by spending a summer at the University of Minnesota before completing her bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television Production at the University of Iowa.

Anne first married Michael John Stark of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together, they raised two sons, Michael James "Jamie" Stark and Brian John Stark. After their marriage ended, Anne found a new chapter of love and companionship with John Arthur Bender. Shortly after marriage, they made Jesup, Iowa, their permanent home, where they shared over four decades of life together.

Anne is survived by her devoted husband, John Bender, and her two sons, Jamie (Tanya Foxhoven) Stark and Brian (Bridget) Stark. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Donna (Ken) Charipar and Carla (Paul) Depcik, her brother Leonard (Carol) Brandrup Jr., as well as her deeply adored grandchildren: Bryce (Jamie) Charipar, Brant (Krista) Charipar, Briona Charipar, Nathan Depcik, Kendrew Depcik, Randy Depcik, Keegan Foxhoven, and Brody Stark. Anne also had the joy of knowing her great-grandchild, Maria Charipar. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Eleanor Brandrup, and her sister, Henrietta "Ret" Rothman.

A visitation in honor of Anne’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home in Independence, Iowa. Family, friends, and all who knew Anne are warmly invited to attend and share their memories. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Anne’s memory.

Anne’s legacy of love, kindness, and warmth will be forever cherished by all whose lives she touched. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.