Ken Bender

Of Vassar, age 82, died Sunday, October 12, 2008 at his residence. Ken was born July 10, 1926 in Vassar, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest and Adelia (Engelhart) Bender. Ken proudly served our country during World War II in the Pacific Islands with the United States Army. He and Jean Smith were united in marriage on July 14, 1956, she preceded him in death on February 20, 1988. On November 30, 1990 he and Becky Close were united in marriage, she preceded him in death on August 11, 2005. Ken owned and operated his own gas station in Vassar for several years. He also worked for ITT United Plastics and for Voplex. Ken was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Vassar, where he served in numerous capacities. Ken found great strength in his faith. Ken is survived by his children; Gordon (Sherry) Bender, Cathy (Bill) Owensby, Brian (Penny) Bender, Speed (Karen) Close, Verna Stubbs and Vickie Peter; 20 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Ernest Bender and Martin "Bud" (Sherri) Bender; three sisters, Marilyn Graubner, Lois Wedge and Carol (Hal) Baker; sister-in-law, Coral Bender and brother-in-law, Chuck Olmstead. Besides his wives, Ken was preceded in death by his parents; one stepson, Marshall "Butch" Furgason; grandaughter, Shelley Furgason; brother, Robert Bender and sister, Celia Olmstead. The funeral service will take place 10:00am, Thursday, October 16, 2008 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Vassar. Pastor James Plocher will officiate with burial to follow in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Ken's family will be present to receive friends at the Martin Funeral Home - Vassar on Tuesday from 5:00pm until 8:00pm and again on Wednesday from 11:00am until 8:00pm. On Thursday morning, Ken will be taken to church to lie in state from 9:00am until the time of service at 10:00am. Those desiring, may direct memorial contributions to St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church