Born in St. Louis, MO, in 1932 to Fred and Gertrude Bender, a working class family, the youngest of four boys. It was a different time. I remember Dad telling the story about how he would be sent on an errand down to the local bar to fetch a pail of beer. The family moved to California where they eventually settled in San Pedro. Together he and his wife of 54 years raised four children and a grandson after losing their daughter in a senseless, tragic event. All have grown with a work ethic and strong values instilled by Dad and Mom that allowed them to provide for their families through good times and rough times. Dad never backed away from any fight or decision he made, no matter how it cost him. Even this last battle, he struggled to the end. These are the things that we remember.
Car Buff – Dad always loved the 1937 Buick he and friends had as kids in San Pedro. They took turns driving it, as the story goes, and with the suicide doors and running boards they could change drivers while still rolling. The wipers were connected to two strings pulled from the back seat. We always thought that if we knew what he forgot about cars, we could make a living as mechanics. He always seemed to be able to locate HOT cars for Don and Diane, great cars for Dave, and tuna boats for Dan.
Navy SeaBee – Stationed in Japan, 1953-1955, as a Petty Officer. During the time he was stationed over there, he sent many family treasures, like Mom’s china and my silk infants’ clothes. I still have his Blue Jacket’s Manual, a book I poured over many times as a youth.
In 1963, Dad moved the family to Wenatchee where he worked for Alcoa and retired in 1989. Dad often surprised us with things he would take on. While a Journeyman Machinist at Alcoa, he was elected to the governing committee of the credit union, serving for three years helping to guide that institution in serving Alcoa employees. Dad could tell the measurements of something from across the room without a tape measure and be accurate to within 1/64th of an inch. All of us boys have taken-up occupations, crafts or hobbies, that use skills taught by him.
BSA Scout Troop committee member – When we were growing up, we three boys all joined the Boy Scouts of America. Dad was not one to do things halfway. He joined the committee of Troop 80. He participated in most of the outings including the 50 mile hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. There were many occasions where we learned to prepare for anything when gathering for a trip. He always made sure we had everything we needed and few things we didn’t.
Fisherman – Dad could out-fish all of us. We boys would go out on Conconully Lake and come back with a meager catch while he would go out to the same place and come back with more fish that were larger. Never could figure that out. His favorite fishing reel was the Mitchell 300. All of us boys have one because he liked it so much. Dad would go out fishing with us kids on a sunny or rainy day, the weather never stopped him from spending a good time with us fishing on the lake.
Gardener – When we first came to the Wenatchee area, Dad put in a garden. His view of things when it came to fertilizer was, “if a little is good (as it said on the bag), a lot would be better.” That first year, the corn stalks reached eight feet high. Every year he would plant tomatoes and have a bumper crop even though the plants often had no leaves from the fertilizer. Again, never did figure out how he did it.
Incredible Father – He was the kind of man that would wake his children up in the middle of the night so they could see the first snowfall of winter, or the launch of a rocket sending man to the moon for the first time.
Grandpa was an amazing man. His kids, grandkids and great-grandkids were all that he was about. There isn’t a time in my life that I can remember when he wasn’t willing to pass on his wisdom in some way. Being raised with my Grandparents, I was always fascinated with my Grandpa’s interests and trades. At three years-old, and to this day, I love to work on my cars and will forever remember that 1938 Pontiac that was on our patio that he always wanted to restore. Or the first time we broke out the torch to start the charcoal BBQ. And my first welding lesson on the handcart that is still wheeling around bags of garbage. I couldn’t have been in a better home. Between my Grandpa’s wisdom and all of my uncles’ influence, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. I owe my success and ethics to my Grandfather and the rest of my family. Thank you.
Lottery Winner – One of his favorite pastimes was the lotto and scratch tickets. He had either amazing skill or outstanding luck when it came to these. Between winning a one million dollar lottery in 1988, to a couple of smaller California lotteries, it seemed that his luck never ran out. Over the last few years, he loved his trips to Mill Bay where he could play all day on 50 dollars. And his scratchers would always keep him entertained. All of us would get him scratch tickets for just about every occasion; birthdays, Christmas, etc. He would spend hours on end scratching and, more often than not, he would always come out ahead. Amazing luck for an amazing man.
Survivors include Janice M. Bender, wife of 54 years; sons and spouses, David W. and Elizabeth D. Bender and grandchildren Jennifer, Brian and Stephen of Kent, WA; son, Donald E. and Susan R. Bender of Duvall, WA; son, Daniel L. and Laurie L. Bender and grandchildren Don, Dave, Daniel and Sara of Wenatchee; grandson Robert E. and Kalie J. Bender; great-grandchildren Macey and Matthew of East Wenatchee; and brother and spouse Fred O. and Juanita Bender of San Pedro, CA. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diana M. Bender (mother of Robert); grandson Jarad L. Bender (son of Daniel and Laurie); his parents and two brothers.
At Jerry’s request, there will be no services. A small family gathering will take place at a later date. Our family will be forever grateful to Hospice for all the support and help during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may send contributions to Central Washington Home Health Care and Hospice.
