Gordon Robert Bender, age 88, of Fennimore, WI passed away on Saturday February 4, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, IA. He was born on June 27, 1934, in Boscobel, the son of Robert and Agatha (Perkins) Bender. Gordon was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” Steiner on July 1, 1954, in Prairie du Chien.
Gordon loved to take things apart and put them back together, he had a natural curiosity that was with him throughout his life. He was a mechanic, working at Young & Sime Chrysler in Boscobel, and the Boebel Farm Store in Fennimore. He was a plumber and worked at H & N Plumbing and Heating in Fennimore. He was in partnership with John Hollenberger in the Triangle Construction Company of Fennimore. Later Gordon became a Patrolman for the Mt. Ida Township. He enjoyed lending a helping hand to his friend, Dale Vogel, when it was needed while restoring tractors. Gordon served the Community of Fennimore for the 66 years he lived here. He was a Volunteer Fireman for 33 years, also serving as Fire Chief for six years, a President of the Grant County Fire Officers Association, a member of the Fennimore City Council, and an active member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church. When Gordon left this world, his curiosity and ability to fix almost anything will be missed.
Gordon is survived by his son Jeff Bender of Fennimore, and his daughter Janet Bender (Steve Lang) of Eden Prairie, MN, brother Fred (Kay) Bender of Sun Prairie, many special nieces, nephews; Garith (Julie) Steiner, Stephanie Steiner, Boyd (Toni) Bender, Theresa Allen, Barbara (Keith) Jones, Karen (Tyler) Willis, Whitney (Mike) Fletcher, and many great nieces and nephews, along with his dear companion of 24 years Pauline Staskal of Fennimore and her daughter Barbara Staskal-Riley and her husband Todd Riley of Boscobel.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Agatha Bender, wife Patricia Bender, sister and brother-in-law Dolores (Fred “Ray”) Marks, father and mother-in-law William and Leone (Whitt) Steiner, and brother-in-law Bill (C. Marlene) Steiner and their two sons; Russell and Karl Steiner.
In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be given to the Fennimore Fire Department in loving memory of Gordon Bender.
Visitation
Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday morning.
Funeral Services
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday February 8, 2023, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore.
Burial Services
Burial in the Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore.