John W. Bender
John W. Bender, 76, of Aberdeen, SD, died Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
John W. Bender was born July 16, 1946, to Albert and Lenora (Diede) Bender in Ipswich, SD. He grew up and attended country school in this area and later attended Leola High School, graduating in 1964. He furthered his education at Northern State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.
He worked various jobs in Huron, SD before beginning his career at the South Dakota Department of Labor in Sisseton, SD. He spent eight years in Sisseton and then moved to Aberdeen, where he completed his 39-year career with the Department of Labor. After his retirement, he became fully immersed in his second career, farming at his family homestead west of Wetonka.
On March 22, 1969, John married Carol (Von Eschen) Beilke in Leola, SD. Together, they raised five children.
John had a profound faith in Jesus that was instilled in him by his parents, and which he in turn, instilled in his children, and grandchildren. He was a faithful member of First Reformed Church where he was an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Superintendent for over 40 years.
He enjoyed all types of music and was involved for many years with the Aberdeen Barbershop Chorus. John had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his grandchildren. He loved anything to do with working on the farm and was never happier than when he could smell his freshly cut hay. John was a kind, friendly, faithful man that cherished any opportunity to visit with friends and family.
John is survived by his wife, Carol Bender; their five children – Brad & (Deb) Beilke, Miller, SD, Becky & (Monte) Mehlhoff, Aberdeen, SD, Brenda & (Michael) Mehlhaf, Freeman, SD, Tami & (Scott) Buss, Sioux Falls, SD, John & (Jackie) Bender, Leola, SD; his grandchildren – Bret (Laura) Beilke, Drew Beilke, Alyson Mehlhoff, Joshua Mehlhoff, Riley Mehlhaf, Kaitlyn Mehlhaf, Eli Buss, Ava Buss, Jace Bender, Jaxson Bender, and Jameson Bender; his great-grandchildren – Theo Beilke, Haddie Beilke; his sister Arlene & (Marvin) Rall; his sisters-in-laws Darlene Bender, Lea Bender, Pat Beilke and brother-in-laws Chuck & (Janet) Von Eschen and Dennis & (Janet) Von Eschen; as well as many nieces and nephews.
John is proceeded in death by his parents Albert & Lenora (Diede) Bender; his brothers Milbert Bender & Jerald (Jerry) Bender, and niece Lorry Rall.