Photo courtesy of Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Jun 27, 1937 – Oct 4, 2023
Elden A. Bender
Frankenmuth, MI
Elden A. Bender, age 86 of Frankenmuth, MI., passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on October 4, 2023, at Harbour Village retirement home, Greendale, WI. Elden was born on June 27, 1937, in Frankenmuth, to the late Edwin and Lydia (Loesel) Bender. He married Beverley Barrett on June 22, 1963, they were together 60 years, and she survives him. Together they raised three boys.
Baptized in July 1937, at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, Frankentrost, MI, Elden attended elementary school and was confirmed in 1951. He attended high school at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, MI and upon graduating, attended the Chicago School of Watchmaking and Sears Training Center also in Chicago, IL.
Growing up and working on his family’s farm, he started his adult life by opening a watchmaking, repair and jewelry store in Frankenmuth. Although he sold the business and worked for Sears as a service technician, Elden continued his passion to repair watches and clocks for friends and neighbors even after retirement.
Elden valued his faith, his family, and friends. Elden was a life-long member of St. Lorenz Church. He belonged to the church’s Lutheran Laymen’s League, served as an usher, and worked as park attendant for Churchgrove Park for several years.
Elden loved to spend his free time volunteering at the Lutheran Home, St. Lorenz, Red Cross, and Meals on Wheels. His last 2 years he enjoyed starting a community garden at Harbour Village, where he raised and picked tomatoes and other vegetables for the residents. He enjoyed his grandchildren, traveling, hosting their Bed & Breakfast for 40 years, participating in daily activities, and talking with everyone he met.
Surviving besides his wife Beverley are his sons Daniel, Bella Vista, AR, David (Kendis), Vermilion, OH, and Mark (Andrea), Greendale, WI; grandchildren Alex (Megan), Eric, Rachel, Ethan, Lauren, and Owen; great-grandson Jamie; brother Edgar (Janet); sisters Lois Eckert and Lorna Hansen.
Elden was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Leroy Eckert and William Hansen.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola St. Frankenmuth, MI. Pastor Eden will officiate. Elden’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the St. Lorenz Mission fund or The Lutheran Hour Ministries.
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I didn't know Elden that well but my wife & I stayed at the B&B ran by him & Beverley a couple of times. He was a lovely man. My condolences to Beverley & the rest of the family.
Peter Richardson
March 10, 2024 | Mississauga, ON | Acquaintance
My aunt is a resident at Harbour Village. I remember your dad many times going to see your mom in the Memory Care building. While I never talked to him, I could tell he was a very sweet, kind man by the way he took care of your mother. He always brought a smile to my face. My deepest condolences.
Judy Feierstein
October 25, 2023 | Wauwatosa, WI
Dear Beverly, Daniel, David and Mark: Please accept our sincere sympathies in the death of your beloved husband and father. He really was an amazing Christian always placing the Lord's will first in his life and filled with love for his family and friends. Amazingly industrious and never slowing down even as a senior and so clever repairing and finding new life for seemingly "old" items. Frankenmuth will never have the same appeal for us without our dear friends, Elden & Beverly.
Edgar and Doris (Westendorf) Herman
October 20, 2023 | Brighton, MI | Friend
Single Tree
Connie Alenius
October 19, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charlotte Ruediger Swanson
October 17, 2023 | Pensacola,, FL | Classmate
Remembered By
Roy and Nancy Pfund
October 15, 2023 | ST. Louis, MO | Classmate
Elden's Family:
I don't know any of you, but I knew Elden from Michigan Lutheran Seminary and his brother Edgar in my class. Since Edgar was more successful in teaching than I was, I assume Elden was also very successful in his craft. May our Savior comfort the family in their loss.. My wife also died in August.
Waldemar Bergdolr
October 15, 2023 | Perryville, MO | Acquaintance
My deepest condolences to the family. My thoughts, prayers, and love, are with you all. Elden touched my life in such a joyous, wonderful, loving, way and will always be in my heart. He is my Birthday Buddy, and June 27th will never be the same. Much love to all.
Mary Skaggs
October 15, 2023 | Racine, WI | Family
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kay Blunk Luedtke
October 14, 2023 | Plymouth, MI | Friend
