Obit: Bender, Melvin H. (1924 - 2013)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bender, Guse, Gutenberger, Heil, Vesely, Denzine, Empey, Swartwood

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 19 Apr 2013

Bender, Melvin H. (4 JAN 1924 - 15 APR 2013)

Melvin H. Bender, 89, Mosinee, died Monday, April 15, 2013, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born Jan. 4, 1924, in Colby, the son of the late George and Emma (Guse) Bender. He married Eileen Gutenberger on June 16, 1948, in Colby. She survives.

Melvin started his cheese making career at Cloverdale Cheese Factory in Dorchester, Wisconsin, 1942. In 1961 he moved to Mosinee to manage Rocky Ridge Co-op until 1975. He was known for his Colby Cheese, it was the champion at the Wisconsin Valley Fair and the Wisconsin State Fair for many years. He finished his career at Land 'O Lakes in quality control as a field supervisor.

Upon his retirement he and Eileen enjoyed traveling and were snowbirds in Texas for 12 years. He liked to play cards, dance and spend time with family and friends.

Survivors, besides his wife, Eileen, include two sons, Bob (Vicki) Bender, Schofield, and Barry (Ellen) Bender, New London; two daughters, Lynn (Richard) Heil, Schofield, and Kathy Vesely, Mosinee; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Henry, three sisters, Florence Denzine, Avenelle Empey, and Virginia Swartwood, an infant brother, Myron, and a son-in-law, Jerry Vesely.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2013, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Donald Przybylski will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, where at 7 p.m. there will be a rosary. Visitation will be again from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Melvin's name can be directed to St. Paul Building Fund or a charity of your choice.