Lucian L. Bender

Lucian Bender, age 93, passed away on August 31, 2024. Many will feel Lou's loss. He was a cherished family man and an adored father and husband. He was born in Poland, December 15, 1930, to the late Bruno and Anna Bender.
The family miraculously survived the horrors and deprivations of World War II before immigrating to the United States in 1949 at Ellis Island NYC and proceeding to New Orleans, Louisiana. His family relocated to Chicago, Illinois where he met the love of his life, the late Krystyna (Wielgut) They married in 1953 and shared 58 years of happiness. Lou served honorably in the United States Army in the Corp of Engineers. He went on to pursue multiple engineering degrees.
Lou was never reluctant to take on new opportunities and did everything with honesty and integrity. He passed on his very strong values to his 5 children, Lucia Shillington, Wes (Pam), Lila (Steve) Bavaro, Lisa (Keith) Simon and Len (Linda). His proudest accomplishment was being a loved "Dzadzo" to his 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Lou was strong willed but had an enormous heart and a great sense of humor. He was generous, loyal and brave. Lou "Lutek" was clever and full to the brim of knowledge gained through life experience. He could fix or build anything and was always available to help.
Lutek enjoyed nothing more than a good soccer game as he played semi-professionally. He passed that sense of commitment and sportsmanship to his family in more than just sports but in life lessons as well. His generous nature, warm hugs and playful sarcasm will be greatly missed.
A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 10:00 am at Holy Archangel Parsh at St. Hubert Church, 729 Grand Canyon Street, Hoffman Estates. Following the mass, a celebration of life reception will be held at the church. Military honors and interment will be rendered privately at Abrham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.
In lieu of flowers the family requests spending some quality time in the great outdoors with your loved ones in his memory.