Dennis Bender

Dennis Lloyd Bender, 81, passed away September 26, 2017 at the Cottage in the Meadow following a brief illness. Born and raised in Elgin, North Dakota, Dennis was the son of Ruben and Lillian Bender. After graduating from Elgin High School in 1953, Dennis joined the U.S. Navy, where he was a Second Class Petty Officer. After serving four years with the U.S. Navy, Dennis had the opportunity to work on the Northern Pacific Railroad as a Fireman. Dennis, along with his wife, Eunice Bender (deceased), and three children, moved to Yakima in 1970. This same year, Dennis began his 23-year career as an insurance adjuster for American States Insurance. While working with American States Insurance, Dennis built many life-long friendships that continued through his final days. After retirement, hours of conversation and problems were solved over coffee with these friends three times a week. Dennis was an active member of Central Lutheran Church where he enjoyed participating in weekly services and Bible studies. Dennis treasured the friendships and fellowship made at Central. When not at coffee or church you could expect to find Dennis enjoying a competitive game of cards at various gaming locations. He would often boast about his day at the “office”, when he was lucky of course! In his later years, Dennis enjoyed his time spent with his family. His children and grandchildren brought him much joy! He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Dana and Sari Bender; his daughter and son-in-law Darcie and Phillip Mason; his daughter Denise Lanier; five grandchildren and many close friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 9am on October 1, 2017 at Central Lutheran Church in Yakima. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dennis Bender, please visit our flower store.