August 3, 2022 – West Bend, WI – Edward “Ed” Bender, 90, of West Bend (previously of Brookfield, WI) passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Cedar Community, West Bend, WI.
He was born on July 30, 1931, to the late Charles and Viola (nee Schamell) Bender in Oconomowoc, WI. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Washington High School. On June 14, 1952, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Ann Wendorff in Milwaukee, WI.
Ed honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked in banking for over 40 years and was the president of 2 banks during his career until retirement. Ed was a member of the American Legion Post #449 Elm Grove/Brookfield, WI.
On June 7, 2014, he was able to go on the Honor Flight with his son. Ed was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and watching the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Those Ed leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 70 years, Kathy, son, Jim (Amy) Bender; four grandchildren, Chris (Sandy) Bender, Katie Ingle, Chris (Kaila) Thompson, and Stephanie (Steve) Samuel; nine great-grandchildren, Elise, Lilly, Samarah, Miles, Cooper, Camden, Finley, Oliver, and Wyatt; sister-in-law, Charlotte Wendorff (late Donald); many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Kaiser; brother, Howard (Ruth) Bender; and sister, Janet (William) Cooper.
A memorial service in remembrance of Ed will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 3 p.m. at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Brookfield Congregational Church or to the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight in Ed’s name are appreciated by the family.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Cedar Community and Hospice and Dr. Retseck at the VA Hospital for all their help and care.
