----Source: Tribune-Record-Gleaner (Clark County, Wis.) 05/30/2001
 

Bender, David E. (1903 - 2001)

David E. Bender, 97, Neillsville, died on Saturday, May 26, 2001, at the Memorial Nursing Home, Neillsville. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, May 29, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Granton. The Rev. Elden Simonson officiated. Interment was in the Windfall Cemetery, Granton. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Darrell Bender, David Bender Jr., Tom Dudei, Mark Hemp, Steve Hubing, Larry Meddaugh, and Loren Meddaugh.

David Emmanuel Bender was born on July 25, 1903, in the town of Washburn, to Harvey and Mary (nee Smith) Bender. He attended the Cannonville Grade School, in the town of Washburn, and then after finishing school, moved out West to work the hops, wheat and peaches crops for a couple of years. He married Mabel Sally Bender on Oct. 21, 1925, in Winona, Minn. After their marriage, they farmed in the town of Washburn for nine years and then he built a house in the town of Grant by the Cunningham Creek. He used the wood, which he had to move from the building site to build his house, by hand, from scratch. They farmed there for many years. His wife died on Oct. 24, 1993. He served on the School Board for the Cannonville Grade School and was also a justice of the peace for the town of Washburn. He spent lots and lots of time hunting and fishing.

Survivors include one son, David Duane (Beverly) Bender, Arpin four daughters, June Dudei, Plainfield, Mae (Marvin) Hemp, Neillsville, Elaine Johnnie (Ralph) Dorow, Marshfield, and Lorraine Topsy Meddaugh, Granton 23 grandchildren 51 great-grandchildren eight great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel Sally Bender four brothers, Elmer, Floyd, Bernard Bud , and Elden one sister, Essie and two sons-in-law, Bud Dudei and Gordon Meddaugh.

The Gilbertson Funeral Home, Granton, assisted the family with arrangements.