Judy Bender

A memorial Mass for Judy Bender of Wadena will be held at 11:00a.m. on Monday, March 24, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena. Family and friends may gather at the church on Monday beginning at 9:30a.m. with a Rosary at 9:45, and visitation will continue until the time of the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wadena, MN. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You are invited to watch the service via live-stream by going to Schuller Family Funeral Homes' FaceBook Page or YouTube Page ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On March 15, 2025, Judy Bender, 85, of Wadena, MN, peacefully passed away with family by her side at her son’s home in Litchfield, MN. Compassionate care was graciously provided by Vivie Hospice. Judith “Judy” Ann Otte was born to Francis and Marguerite (Otte) Thill on March 20, 1939, at Wesley Hospital in Wadena, MN. With the passing of her mother in 1941, Judy and her brother, Peter, were adopted by their grandparents, Joseph and Mary Alice (Granger) Otte. Judy attended St. Ann's Parochial School for eight years and graduated from Wadena High School in 1957. Judy and Ron’s love story began in 1961 at a dance, where a glance turned into a lifetime. Ron's yellow roses graced her doorstep, igniting their courtship. They exchanged vows on December 1, 1962, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena. They shared their love for 61 years until Ron passed away on August 30, 2024 Judy and Ron lived in Maine and Michigan before returning to Wadena in 1975 with their two sons, Paul and Greg. After 29 years with Merickel Lumber Mills as their office manager, she retired in 2006. Judy was an unwavering source of constant support and encouragement to those around her. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, selflessly by their side throughout the years. Forever remembering Judy will be her sons, Paul (Terri) Bender of Litchfield and Greg (Michele) Bender of Williston, ND; grandchildren: Nicole (Adam) Barnett, Kevin (Kami) Bender, Taner Bender, Megan Woods, Mason Bender, Ryia Bender and Nicholas Bender; great grandchildren: Elin Barnett, Cora Barnett and Theo Bender; brother, Peter (Audrey) Otte of Bismarck, ND; along with extended family and numerous friends. Judy leaves behind a legacy of refined beauty, a presence that will be forever cherished. She taught us how to move through life with a quiet strength to face all things - even the end - with courage and grace. Her soul, as perfectly elegant in life as it is now in eternity, will remain an everlasting symbol of love and support. Memorials in Judy’s name may be directed to Vivie Hospice, 618 Jefferson St N Suite 2, Wadena, MN 56482.

Judy Bender

March 20, 1939 - March 15, 2025