Obit: Bender, Merlin R. "Tim" (1926 – 2018)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bender, Holnbach, Schlagenhaft

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 03 Feb 2018

Bender, Merlin R. "Tim" (13 MAY 1926 – 29 JAN 2018)

Marshfield - Merlin "Tim" R. Bender, age 91, passed away early Monday, January 29, 2018 at his home in Marshfield. A memorial service will be held at Noon, Monday, February 5, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church (109 W. Clark Street) in Spencer. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the church on Monday. Private burial will take place at the Loyal Lutheran Cemetery.

Merlin was born May 13, 1926, the son of Elmer and Agnes (Holnbach) Bender in Granton. He graduated from Granton High School. Merlin proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII in the Pacific Theater. On June 4, 1949 Merlin was united in marriage to the love of his life Caryl Jean Darton in Loyal. The coupled farmed in the Loyal area for over 20 years. After moving from the farm, Merlin went on to work as a Supervisor at Dickman Homes and Wick Building Systems.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer, where he served on the Church Council and the Church Building Committee. Merlin was also a director at Spencer State Bank for 10 years. He was a former member of the Spencer Fire Department and served on the Clark County S.C.S. Board. Merlin was a member of the Loyal American Legion Post 175.

In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He especially enjoyed working in his shop and being a pilot.

Merlin is lovingly survived by his wife: Caryl Jean; children: Marjean (Jim) Schlagenhaft of Kenosha, Dennis (Betty) Bender of Beaver Dam, and Tim Bender of Grahamsville, NY; his 6 grandchildren; as well as 2 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; as well as 3 siblings: Blaine, Joan and Roger.

Those wishing to express their sympathy are encouraged to do so to the High Ground in Neillsville.

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com  for your convenience.