Ronald Bender

A private service for Ronald Bender of Wadena will be held at a later date at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wadena, MN. Ron, age 84, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, under the gentle care of the doctors, nurses and staff at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. His infectious smile and sense of humor was a part of him to the end. Ronald Nicholas Bender was born to William and Katherine (Duplaga) Bender on February 26, 1940, in Detroit, MI. Ron was a vibrant young man, full of life, who entered the US Air Force in 1959. While stationed with the 739th Radar Squadron at the Air Force Base in Wadena, MN, he met Judith “Judy” Otte. On December 1, 1962, they were married at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena. Many will say they will always remember finding Ron and Judy on the dance floor at the NCO club and later, any other dance floor they came across. After his honorable discharge in April 1967 as an Airman 1st Class, they headed to Royal Oak, MI where Ron operated a Bonanza Steak House. In 1975, the family moved to Wadena where they purchased and operated the Pine Cove Inn. Later, he loved showing off his grilling skills whenever he was given the tongs. He ended his career with 25 years as a UPS driver until his retirement in 2003. You might remember Ron enjoying coffee many mornings at McDonald’s, for his elaborate halloween decorations popularly coined as Bender’s Beasts or on the 18th green with a wide smile and putter in his hand. He enjoyed spending time at the ice rink with Greg and riding around the backroads with Paul on their motorcycles. Ron was proud of his grandchildren, following their activities and watching them grow throughout the years. Ron will be remembered most for his genuine smile and sense of humor that brought laughs to all those who knew him. Preceding Ron in death were his father, William; mother, Katherine Schnaidt; stepfather, Herbert Schnaidt; and brother, William Bender. Forever remembering Ron will be his wife, Judy of Wadena; 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; and great grandchildren: Elin Barnett, Cora Barnett and Theo Bender. Military honors will be provided by the Grand Forks AFB Honor Guard and the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wadena, MN. Memorials in Ron’s name may be directed to the charity of your choice.

Ronald Bender

February 26, 1940 - August 30, 2024