Delbert Bender

Bender, Delbert Jr. MADISON/KING-Delbert Bender Jr., age 80, went home to be with the Lord, on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, at the Veterans Home in King, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 9, 1927, in Madison, to Delbert and Susan (Paulson) Bender Sr. Delbert graduated from Central High School in 1949 and also attended Madison Business College. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War from 1950 until 1955 and received four medals of honor. After returning home, Delbert worked for the Checker Cab Co., along with his father. He married Marilyn Berg on Sept. 27, 1958, in Madison. They met while he was driving cab. Delbert then worked for the U. S. Postal Service from 1956 until 1986. After retiring from the Postal Service, he stayed active with working for Independent Living. Delbert was a faithful member of Grace Bible Church and also a member of the VFW. He enjoyed Bible reading, traveling, fishing, the outdoors, playing horseshoes, stamp collecting and the Green Bay Packers. Delbert later married Veronica Amidon on May 7, 1994. He is survived by his second wife, Veronica; four daughters, Brenda Heckelsmiller of Madison, Kim Vincent of Louisville, Ky., Rebecca Bender of Madison, and Stephanie (Don) Gehin of Cottage Grove; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Katie, Joshua, Sarah and Eli Vincent, all of Louisville, Ky.; eight step children; brothers, Richard (Dixie) Bender of Ridgeway and Donald (JoAnn) Bender of Madison; and sisters, Arlene (John) Patzer and Linda Gerber, both of Madison, and Sharon (Willard) Wills of Thousand Oaks, Calif. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; and first wife, Marilyn. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, with Pastor Floyd Baker presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Delbert will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.