Obituaries

Merwin L. “Vern” Bender, 87, of Reese, died early Wednesday morning, July 10, 2019 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw. He was born March 17, 1932 in Saginaw, son of the late Gustav and Matilda (Lutz) Bender. He served his country with the U. S. Army during the Korean War. On January 28, 1961 Vern married the former Colleen Raymond in Saginaw. She survives him. Mr. Bender was employed for many years as a Tool Grinder at the Saginaw Parts Plant before transferring to Bay City Powertrain. He retired in 1997. After his retirement, he and his wife Colleen spent many years wintering at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Frankentrost and a member of Blumfield American Legion Post # 229. He enjoyed gardening, golf, bowling, and playing cards. His best enjoyment of all was hunting.

Surviving besides his wife Colleen are his children, Tamara Raymond of Illinois; Jeff Bender and his wife Jeanne of Reese; and Dan Bender and his wife Joan of Gladstone; six grandchildren; Nicole Peterman, Danielle (Jake) Hogan, Amanda Peterman, Rachael Bender, Jared (Emilie) Bender, and Daniel Bender, and one great-grandchild, Carter Hogan. Also surviving are his four sisters; Marcie Weiss, Rosie (Howard) Bernreuter, Annie Schultz, and Jerilyn (Jim) Daenzer, all of Saginaw and his sister-in-law, Vicki Bender of Reese. In addition to his parents Vern was predeceased by one brother, Mel Bender.

Funeral Services will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from the Immanuel Lutheran Church (Frankentrost) 8220 E. Holland Ave. Saginaw, 48601. Reverend Mark Loest will officiate with Committal Services to follow in the Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Full Military Honors will be presented by the U. S. Army Honor Guard and Blumfield American Legion Post #229. Mr. Bender’s family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 9940 Saginaw Street in Reese on Monday from 3-8 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Immanuel Lutheran School in Frankentrost.

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