William C. “Bill” Bender

ARLINGTON – William C. “Bill” Bender, age 84, died on Monday, August 12, 2013, at Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena. 

Bill was born on January 23, 1929 in Portage, the son of Edgar and Jennie (Scharf) Bender. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.  Bill married Beverly Brauer on September 24, 1949.  He owned and operated Bender’s Service Station in Arlington.  Throughout those years he mentored many of the Arlington youth.  He also served on the Poynette School Board for nine years.  In his retirement, he enjoyed lawn work, gardening, and spending time with his family, including his furry friend, Kristy.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bev Bender, Arlington; his children, William G. “Buck” (Karen) Bender, Dekorra Township, and Kari Bender, Wausau; his grandchildren, Caitlin and Cory Bender, Dekorra Township; his sister, Anita (Richard) Grinde, Waunakee; his sister-in-law, Pauline Bender, South Carolina, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Kent.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2013 at Arlington United Methodist Church, with Rev. Lee Bushweiler and Pastor Jeff Virchow co-officiating. Inurnment will be at Dekorra Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette, and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bill’s name.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena, and Bill’s healthcare providers at Dean Clinic, especially Dr. Albert Musa and Jeff Welch.