Donald Bender

Funeral Service for Donald Bender, 76, of Glen Ullin, formerly of McClusky, will be 11:00 a. m. CDT Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Sims Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sims, ND, with Pastor Bill Dodd officiating. Burial will follow at the Sims Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Sims, ND. Visitation will take place from 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. CDT Wednesday, March 18th at Spangelo-Stevenson Funeral Home, Glen Ullin, ND. Visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church. Don passed away, Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Marion Manor, Glen Ullin, ND. Donald Duane Bender was born December 30, 1938 in McClusky, ND to John J. and Loretta Naomi (Bettger) Bender. He grew up and attended school in McClusky. Don spent several years serving in the United States Army, before returning to North Dakota. He worked as a mechanic at several garages in the McClusky and Bismarck area. On March 1, 1969, Don married Lorna Monson at the Sims Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sims. They were blessed with a daughter Monica. The family made their home in Bismarck. Don worked as a mechanic/machinist for Melroe Bobcat until he retired in 2001. Through the years, Don and Lorna continued to operate the Monson farm near Sims, spending most of their weekends working there. The farm became Don’s permanent home upon retirement and he was reluctant to ever leave it. He was very content watching his cattle, working on his Mopars and watching baseball games. Don always had a soft spot for Shirley Temple and old western movies. He was also fond of Louis L’amour and Zane Gray Books. Don is survived by his daughter, Monica of Mandan, grandsons, Kenton and Colten; adopted daughters, Sarah McDowall and Kate Ellsworth; sister, Marie (Dwaine) Helm, Fargo, ND; sisters-in-law, Marlene Bender, Bismarck, ND; Leona (August) Schaaf, Glen Ullin, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, wife Lorna on December 23, 2014; brothers, Norman, Dean, Richard and Robert.


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Burial Date: March 19, 2015
Funeral Home Glen Ullin, ND

Funeral Service: Thursday: Sims Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sims, ND