Andrew Donald Bender

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew ("Andy") Bender, who departed this life on November 13th, 2025, at the age of 81. Andy was a beloved presence in the lives of family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on January 18, 1944, on a farm in Hazelton, North Dakota, to Caroline and Edward Bender, Andy was one of eleven children. He recalled his childhood as one filled with love, laughter, and hard work. After completing his schooling, he began working on local farms as a custom combiner. In 1968, Andy moved to Seattle in search of new adventure and opportunities. There, he established a career at General Disposal, where he worked for 26 years and spoke with great affection about the community members he served. In retirement, Andy enjoyed maintaining his properties, attending coffee dates with friends, engaging in his church community, and watching his grandsons grow.

Andy met his beloved wife, Dorinda, through his sister-in-law, Carol. What began as an initial date of dancing grew into a rich marriage that lasted 34 years. Together, Andy and Dorinda raised 5 children in their home in Shoreline, where they attended St. Luke for many years. In retirement, the pair relocated to Lynden and found new community at St. Joseph's, where they were actively engaged within the parish. After Dorinda's death, Andy relocated to Everett to be closer to friends and family and began attending St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Andy was a person known for his kindness, quiet strength, and genuine compassion. Throughout his life, he devoted himself to hard work, serving his community, and supporting the people he loved. His dedication, integrity, and warm spirit touched many lives and left a lasting impression.

Andy cherished time with family and friends, finding joy in simple moments, sharing stories, and helping others. He will be remembered for his humor, his genuine smile, and the care he extended to everyone around him.

Andy is survived by his brothers Harry, Bill (Carol), Don (Pam), Tom (Sue) and Jim (Annette), his sisters, Angie (Willie) Hilzendeger, and Charlene (Kenneth) Fetzer, sister-in-law, Gail Wickre, as well as his children, Phillip, Daniel (Brenda), Elaine (Brian), and Joseph (Sara), his grandsons, Victor, Nicholas, Jameson, and Macallam, and numerous nieces and nephews, who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Caroline and Edward; parents-in-law, Cleo and Vera Hathaway; siblings Edwin, Larry, and Lorraine; sisters-in-law Joyce and Charlotte; brother-in-law Doug Wickre; wife Dorinda; and son Matthew.

A service to honor and celebrate Andy's life will be held on December 4th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Bothell, WA. Friends and loved ones are invited to attend and share in remembering a life well lived.