Willard Charles “Will” Bender

PORTAGE – Willard Charles “Will” Bender, age 52, of Portage, died on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Will was born on February 10, 1973, in Portage, the son of Daniel and Meredythe (Hunter) Bender. He graduated from Portage High School in 1991. He then attended UW Baraboo and was recipient of “Sauk County Art Association Scholarship” and “James D. Schwalbach Scholarship.” Will worked at Chula Vista Resort, in Wisconsin Dells, for over a decade.

Will was passionate about computers and playing video games but will be remembered by his family for his kindness, patience, and unbelievable skills at solving the final puzzles on Wheel of Fortune.

He is survived by his mother, Meredythe “Micki” Bender, Portage; sister, Carol (David) Bender Riese; his brothers, Matthew (Nicole) Bender and John Ty Bender; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. Will is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Daniel P. Bender; and his twin brother, Raymond Bender. 

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Inurnment will be at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at St. Mary Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Portage Center for the Arts.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.