Mark Joseph Bender

Mark was born on October 11, 1959, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to the late Joseph and Therese (Kammer) Bender. In 1972, the family relocated to Indianapolis, where Mark and his siblings attended St. Luke Catholic Church. From a young age, Mark’s vibrant personality flourished through many activities, including baseball, basketball, and backyard hockey.

A proud graduate of North Central High School, Class of 1978, Mark went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations from Indiana University and later earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan.

Mark married Kerry Spellacy in 1988 and they raised two sons, Joey and Michael. He became the loving father and family man he was destined to be. Mark involved himself in all aspects of his children’s lives, and found every opportunity to speak fondly of their accomplishments. He enjoyed coaching them in sports including soccer, baseball, and basketball, and facilitated lessons for them to learn musical instruments, golf, and improv comedy.

Mark’s intelligence, drive, and admiration for people earned him a successful career as a leader in Human Resources. Mark respected his colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends. He derived great joy and satisfaction from his work. Additionally, Mark was an active member in his community, volunteering at institutions such as Broad Ripple Haverford Little League, Tabernacle, the Knights of Columbus and Christ the King.

He enjoyed traveling to Fort Lauderdale where his siblings and parents resided. His time in Florida provided endless memories through vacations, weddings, and anniversaries, which he cherished.

Entertaining family and friends was his specialty. He looked forward to any opportunity to make someone laugh with a funny observation, joke, or dance. His backyard parties were the perfect showcase where he would provide spontaneous commentary over the microphone to make toasts, acknowledge family accomplishments, or recycle a classic joke that he once received a reaction from. A natural entertainer, he was truly the life of the party, and commanded the room with his loud, gregarious voice which will ring in the memory of those that knew him. In Mark’s absence, the world seems quiet. However, he’s left us with entertaining stories and countless “Benderisms” to provide laughs to family and friends that will reminisce on his legacy for many years to come.

He was a remarkable father, husband, uncle, friend, co-worker, and mentor whose vibrant spirit and love provided smiles for all who were lucky to know him. Lucky seemed to be a word that continuously came up as everyone poured in their condolences to the family. Lucky to have met and experienced the kind, honorable, and humorous man he was.

Mark will be deeply missed by his wife Kerry, sons Joseph & Michael and daughter-in-law Mallory and numerous family members: His siblings, Laura, Paul (Dana), Jim, John (Rebecca), Jeanette (Jim Burman), and Chuck (Melissa). His nieces and nephews, Lindsey and Megan Bender; Kara Bender; Robert Matthew Bender and Hailey Williams; Kaitlyn and Austin Burman; Sean, Barbara, Justin Bender and Gavin Miller; Matthew and Navy Bender; Samantha and Anna Spellacy; Jimmy, Erin, Lauren, Lindsay, Liam, Finley, and Lucy Scaletty; Emily, Matthew, Caroline, and Catherine Cline; Peyton and Parker Spellacy; Colin and Nora MacKelly. He will always be remembered as the person who celebrated their successes, cheered them on, and brought joy to every gathering.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Therese (Kammer) Bender.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Leppert Mortuaries, 740 East 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, December 27th at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church at 5884 Crittenden Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Entombment follows at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.

Online condolences available at www.leppertmortuary.com