Ronald K. Bender, 73, of Orion, Ill., formerly of Indianola, passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at Heartland Health Care Center in Moline, Ill.
Ron was born Aug. 29, 1942, in Perry, the son of Warren and Esther Bender and big brother to sisters Joy and Nancy.
He married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Stoner, in 1963 and was married until her death in 2009. They lived in Des Moines for a short time before settling in Indianola to raise their two sons.
Ron worked for many years at a local grocery store and later moved to Orion and worked for Hy-Vee in Silvis, where his infectious smile and laugh could be heard throughout every aisle. He worked tirelessly throughout his life and retired in 2007.
Ron was a devoted husband, father, friend and colleague. He enjoyed traveling, especially cruising, and visited many exciting ports of call, including several Caribbean islands, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, Tahiti and Alaska. He enjoyed antiquing and was truly satisfied when he could negotiate a good deal.
As a young man and throughout his life, Ron cherished his automobiles and took great care of them. His favorite was a high school graduation present from his parents – a 1958 Chevy Impala, and in his later years he purchased a nearly exact replica of the classic American car.
Ron married Deborah Boise of Henry, Ill., in December 2014 in Las Vegas. They resided in Orion and spent winters in Mesquite, Nev., the last five years.
Ron is remembered with love by wife, Debby Boise Bender; his aunts, Doris Bender of Iowa and Fern Harrison of Iowa; his sisters, Joy (Robert) Hawbaker of Arkansas and Nancy (Lyle) Luckow of Iowa; his sons, Kent (Pam) of Missouri and Kevin (Jeff) of Illinois; grandchildren, Brad, Kirby, Kelsi and Justin; great-grandchildren, Bryce, Drew, Sylas, Hailey and Bentley Ronald; as well as many dear cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, 6601 38th Ave, Moline, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 3 from 4–7 p.m. Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 1100 Third St. in Perry on Friday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m., with the family present at noon. Burial will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.
Sorry for your loss. He was a very good man. My mother, Wilma Gaskins, who worked with him, had nothing but good things to say about him.