Ralph Bender Sr.

Ralph E. Bender Sr., 81, of Oostburg, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother , uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at his home, on Monday, November 10, 2014, after a courageous 28 month battle with gastric cancer, with his wife Mary, son Joseph and granddaughter, Chrissy by his side. Ralph was born on July 24, 1933, in Plymouth, IN, a son to William and Crystal (Koomler) Bender. Ralph was a 1951 graduate of West Township High School. Ralph proudly served in the US Navy from 1952-1956. He had the privilege of serving alongside his brother, on the USS Jarvis DD799. In June of 1956 Ralph married Sonia Koshaba, she preceded him in death in November 1998. Ralph was a sheet metal worker for SWM, Local 73 in Cook County, IL until his retirement in 1993. On July 17, 1999 he married Mary Den Boer-Mesich in Sheboygan. Ralph was a member of First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove. He loved fishing, was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, he looked forward to spending his winters in FL with Mary. Ralph was honored to have the privilege of going on the Honor Flight in 2013, being escorted by his son Joseph. He took pride in owning Red Rock Lodge in Sedona, AZ. Ralph is survived by his wife of 15 years, Mary; two sons, Ralph E. Bender Jr. of NM and Joseph L. Bender of IL; one step-daughter, Kim Vargas of AZ; six grandchildren, Armondo, Serina and Robert Barrera, Randi and Holly Bender and Christina (Bryan) Morgan; four step-grandchildren, Pete (Kim), Brenda and Tasha Vargas and Serena Hernandez; seven great-grandchildren; six step-great grandchildren; one sister, Jean Dean of IN; one brother, Glen Bender of FL; a special cousin, John Bender of IN. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Dianna L. Barrera, son, William A. Bender, three brothers and one sister. Funeral services to celebrate Ralph's life will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove with Rev. Kent Vant Hul officiating. Inurnment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth, IN at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Friday, November 14, 2014, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again at CHURCH on Saturday from 10:30 am until the time of the service at 11:30 am. A memorial fund has been established in Ralph's name for the First Reformed Church Youth Program. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting Ralph's family with arrangements.Reception:First Reformed Church - Cedar Grove237 South Main StreetCedar Grove, WI 53013

Visitation

Friday, November 14, 2014 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg
108 Center Ave. Oostburg 53070, United States

Visitation

Saturday, November 15, 2014 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
First Reformed Church - Cedar Grove
237 SouthMain Street Cedar Grove 53013, United States

Service

Saturday, November 15, 2014 11:30 AM
First Reformed Church - Cedar Grove
237 SouthMain Street Cedar Grove 53013, United States