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Bender, Dean H.
Dean H. Bender, 82, of Marion, passed away Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, at Willow Gardens Care Center, Marion, following a long illness. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion. The family will greet friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, with a vigil service beginning at 7 p.m. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 298 of Marion.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, JoAnn; his son, Jeff Bender of Davenport; his two grandsons, Ryan Patrick Bender and Jacob Dean Bender; his brother, Joe (Jeanette) Bender of Paris, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Jim Bender.
Dean was born Dec. 14, 1930, in Keswick, Iowa, the son of Albert and Gertrude (Bales) Bender. He was a graduate of Marion High School and Cedar Rapids Business College. Dean was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served as staff sergeant with the military police during the Korean War. He married JoAnn Willard on Dec. 1, 1956, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Dean worked in meat sales with Wilson Foods and Farmstead, retiring as regional sales manager after over 30 years.
Dean's biggest passion and hobby was working with the Scouts. He was a Century member of the Boy Scouts of America and Scoutmaster of Troops 775 of Placentia, Calif., and No. 89 of Marion. Dean was given the Award of Merit for Outstanding Service in 1989 and served as Hawkeye Area Council commissioner in 1994. He also served on the Eagle Scout board of review for the Wapsiketa District for many years. Dean took multiple trips to Philmont Scout Ranch, including the years 1984, 1985, 1992 and 1998. He was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. Dean enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, telling stories, hunting, camping, fishing, and boating.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dean's memory.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to Hospice of Mercy and the staff at Willow Gardens Care Center.
Please sign the online guest book for Dean at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
Published Aug. 31, 2013 in The Gazette
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