Della Bend
Born: September 29, 1946 in Chicago, IL
Died: October 5, 2024 in Shabbona, IL
Della Louise Bend, 78, of Shabbona, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born September 29, 1946, in Chicago, the daughter of Charles and Myrtle (Schuller) Reinhart. She married Richard Merritt Bend on January 30, 1983. He preceded her in death on December 2, 2021.
Della was an inspiration to her cherished family and friends. She was an amazing artist, gardener, and cook - sharing each of these talents with anyone who wanted to learn. Many people's gardens are filled flowers and plants she shared from her own, or that she helped pick out at a local nursery. She received several prizes and ribbons at the Sandwhich Fair for her gorgeous drawings, quilts, knitted blankets, and needlework.
Her first job was at age 14, working at a bookstore in downtown Chicago. Ever since then, she was fiercely independent and a hard worker, with diverse jobs such as waitress, livestock truck driver, landscape designer, bookkeeper, and shoe sales person. But her favorite role was being a homemaker and creating a beautiful environment for everyone she loved. Spending time with her family was a priority for Della. From traveling across the globe with her husband Richard, to watching countless baseball, softball, la crosse, basketball, and football games with her kids and grandkids, Della invested time and energy in building meaningful relationships and nurturing a loving spirit with each person in her family. Della also found great joy and community with her brothers and sisters at the Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah's Witnesses in Mendota and DeKalb/Sycamore.
Della is survived by her children Denise Herrmann of Libertyville, IL, David (Jen) Von Kaenel of East Moline, IL, Chris (Melissa) Kumnick of Texas; Linda (Ed) Hershman, Ronald (Paula) Bend, John Bend, Beth (Dave) Prestegaard, and Richard (Erin) Bend; grandchildren, Ashley (Michael) Golden, Amanda (Matthew) Herrmann, Olivia Von Kaenal, Haley Von Kaenel, Kaegan Kumnick, Kenna Kumnick, Christopher (Leslie) Prestegaard, Colleen (Patrick) Pugliese, Mary Margaret (Justin) Evans, Grant Bend, Cierra Bend, Sydney Bend, Delaney Bend, Darby (Aaron) Bend, Abby Bend, Maggie Bend, Devon White, Jacquelyn (Bain) Wilson, Tate White, Catie Bend, Logan Bend, Caroline Bend, Ellie Bend, and Wade Bend; great-grandchildren Charlotte, Louise, Henry, Theodore, Grace, Abel, Luke, Miles, Reid, Etta, Benden, Will, Jake, Emme, Ruthie, Finn, Paxton, and Heyden; three siblings, Richard, Charlene, and Donna; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Della is preceded in death by three siblings, Edward, Charles, and Roberta; and a son-in-law, Walter Herrmann.
Thank you to all of the friends and family who assisted with Della's care as the ALS symptoms overtook her healthy, strong body and dimmed her vibrant spirit. From delivering meals, to driving her to appointments, to sitting with her in the sunroom, she very much appreciated the kindness and generosity shown by all who helped. We would also like to acknowledge the organizations who supported her through this journey: University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital ALS Clinic, Visiting Angels, and Unity Hospice and Palliative Care of Rochelle, IL.
Cremation care has been provided by the Jacobson-Torman Funeral Home, Shabbona. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Della's name may be directed to ALS United Greater Chicago, 5315 N. Clark St. #650, Chicago, IL 60640.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily-Chronicle on Oct. 19, 2024.