RUSSELL — Gerald Dean Bender, 72, passed away on Oct. 19, at Russell Regional Hospital. Born Jan. 23, 1942, in Russell, he was the son of Herbert H. and Viola E. (Mai) Bender. He grew up and attended schools in the Milberger area. He was employed by the City of Russell in the refuse department for 20 years, retiring in 1999.
Mr. Bender was a member of the Bender Hill Lutheran Church in Milberger and later joined the St. John Lutheran Church and Russell Regional Hospital Auxiliary.
Survivors include two sisters, Lois Cave of Redmond, Wash. and Eileene Duryee of Ellinwood. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Thomas Wayne Cave.
Celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church and Russell Regional Hospital Auxiliary in care of the funeral home.  

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary
610 N. Maple
Russell, KS 67665
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Oct. 22, 2014