Donald A. Bender

Donald A. Bender, 97, of Machesney Park, IL. was welcomed into heaven on Friday, July 7, 2017. In a life well celebrated, Don was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in WWII. In 1942 he married Phyllis Hutton and together they shared 55 years while raising their family in a home filled with love. In his lifetime, Don created wonderful memories with his family at their summer cabin in Rhinelander, WI.. He enjoyed showcasing his talents with the saxophone while performing for family holidays and playing in several bands; The Kay Howard Dance Band right out of high school, Old Town Band at RVC and East Bank Commanders with the retired YMCA Men’s Club. He made a career as an electrician, retiring from the Byron Nuclear Plant. Don enjoyed participating the Harlem High School Vet Project. He was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church. Don belonged to several organizations: Local IBEW 364 for over 70 years, Loves Park G-PAC , and the USS Wisconsin Assoc. Don was born in Rockford, IL. on August 5, 1919 to John and Irene Bender.

Survivors : children, Cindy (Dougal) Whitmer, Randy (Mary) Bender, Candy (Richard) Pigatti and Bryan (Cheryl) Bender; grandchildren, Andrea (Clint) Karras, MaLinda (Alex) Lee, Eric (Nikki) Hesselbacher, Kate (Collin) Konopacki, Justin (Kira) Bender, Brandon DeMars, Kylee Bender, Greg Whitmer, Rebecca McAllister, Bill (Mary Anne Meyering) Whitmer: 15 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by parents; wife, Phyllis Hutton Bender; father- and mother-in-law, Harold and Frances Hutton.

Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July12, at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL. Visitation; 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Entombment following in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to the Harlem High School Vet Project OR Centennial United Methodist Church Condolences: www.sunsetmemgardens.com