Barbara Jean Bender
July 23, 1936 - January 09, 2015
Obituary
MADISON - Barbara Jean Bender, age 78, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015. She died at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 23, 1936 in Green Lake County Township. The daughter of Agnes and Noel Luethe, Barb grew up on her family’s farm in Green Lake County. She attended a country school up to 8th grade, and graduated from Markesan High School in 1954. She married her high school sweetheart, Gale Bender, on August 11, 1956 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Markesan, WI. After Gale and Barb married they settled and raised their family in Madison, WI. She graduated from Milwaukee Accredited Cosmetology School in 1968. She worked for 38 years with Richard’s Beauty Salon and during that time she obtained her manager’s license. She had many steady clients who became good friends and she loved working with them. She enjoyed bowling for many years along with socializing with her family and many friends. Barb and Gale liked to travel to visit with family and made many trips out to Idaho, Texas, Florida, Dover, Delaware, New York, Missouri, Tennessee and Minnesota to visit their relatives. One of their many fond memories of travel included an extended trip out West to various gambling destinations with her sister and brother-in-law to Red Lion, Reno, Carson City, Virginia City, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas in a motorhome! Barb was a wonderful grandma and great grandma, she loved her ‘grandbabies’ and they loved her.
Barb is survived by her loving husband, Gale; her son, Todd (Jane Redlin); her daughter-in-law, Denise; her sisters: Joan Ehrenberg, Betty (Jon) Lueck; her sister-in-law Brenda Bender; Grandchildren: Lee (Lisa) Bender, Nicole Bender (Jeff) Bettin, Christopher (Talia) Bender, Kathryn Bender (Lee) Pennington, Nick (Emily) Bender, Brittany Festino and Madison Festino; and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Barb is preceded in death by her son, Timm; her parents, Agnes and Noel Luethe; her father and mother-in-law Harry and Ruth Bender; her brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Louise Luethe; her brother-in-laws and sister-in-law Harry and Alice “Ella Mae” Bender, Glen “Dick” Bender, and Roy Ehrenberg; and her baby brother Wayne Luethe.
Memorial services will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, with the Rev. Susan Schneider presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Jan 15, 2015 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Trinity Lutheran Church (Madison) • 1904 Winnebago Street, Madison, WI null
Service
Thu Jan 15, 2015 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Trinity Lutheran Church (Madison) • 1904 Winnebago Street, Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Barbara have been shared yet.
Memories
GF
George and Tama Lynn Frazier
Other •
We wish to offer our deepest condolences to Gayle Bender's family regarding the loss of his dearly beloved wife. Oh my!! What a shock. Barbara was so full of life and love. She knew and understood people with her whole heart and faith. We remember her fondly from Woody and Anne's when it was still Diamond Jim's. We used to feel that time stood still whenever we chatted at Mr. Robert's or Wilson's bar and grille. We loved both Gayle and Barbara.
GP
George & Mary Pitman
Other •
Barb, you will be missed by all of your friends and family. You were a great lady. We always enjoyed being with you.
JM
Jan McMullen
Other •
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom and wife . I was a client at Richards Beauty Salon and I always enjoyed going there . She could tell some of the funniest jokes . She really loved the people she worked with and really enjoyed her customers. Once in a while she did my hair. She was so down to earth. When I moved away I really missed going to Richards . The first time I was back in town had to go and say hi to the gang . I really liked her smile. She was so full of joy and laughter. I will be praying for you for strength to get through these days. But remember the memories . Jan Hanson McMullen
KD
Karen L. Duffey
Other •
Gale, I am so deeply sorry for your loss of Barb, she was such a wonderful lady. God Bless you both,
NS
Nancy Swanton
Other •
Brent and I were surprised are so saddened to learn that Barb has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to Gale, Todd and the extended family Barb so loved. We are so sorry for your loss. Barb was caring, down-to-earth, welcoming, practical and fun-loving. We enjoyed her company -- good conversation, always laughter and a beer (or two) over the fence, on the front porch next door at Mom's & Dad's and at Barb's & Gale's home. We will miss Barb. Love, Nancy Swanton & Brent Petrie
KG
Katie and Ben Griffiths
Other •
Dear Gale, Todd and Family,
We send our deep sympathy and love at this difficult time. We will always be grateful for the good fortune of having you next door!
Barb was a generous and kind woman. She always had a smile, and warm humor. She was thoughtful and loving toward us, and our kids. She was loyal to family, always off with Gale to someone's graduation, birthday or other events. Family was her greatest joy.
You have endured such unthinkable loss. May you find comfort and strength in the love that surrounds you, and in cherished memories, too.
"There is no sorrow on earth that Heaven can not heal".
Our love and prayers,
Katie and Ben Griffiths