Michael John Bender

Michael John Bender passed way February 11, 2025, at the age of 56. He was born May 5, 1968, to Larry and Betty Bender in Saginaw, Michigan. Mike attended St. Lorenz School and graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1986. Mike was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting and fishing. Many summers were spent camping at Alcona Park on the Au Sable River where he had so many friends. He and Tim Munson spent so many hours fishing there and at surrounding lakes. He loved to grill and always made a great breakfast for friends and family. Lot #98 will never be the same.

Mike was employed at Reinert and Bender in Frankenmuth until his passing. His dad taught him everything there was to know about cars. He was an avid NASCAR fan and especially loved his 442s and a 1961 Chevy Pick-up. He was always working on or painting someone's car at home.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Larry and grandparents Adolph and Freida Bender and Sidney and Helen Blank and aunt Connie Bender.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother Betty, sister Dawn and brother David, uncle Vern Bender, cousins Stacey Bender and Matt Blackthorne, nephews Derek, Blake, Brett and Nick Lee, and great nephews AJ, Derek Jr., Jordan, Zayden, and Max, a great niece Isabella, and his chocolate lab Jolene.

A tribute from Stacey Bender: "Mike may you rest in peace. Heaven has another Bender. Oh my. The Lord himself now has his hands full. May you and Larry, Paul and Grampa all ride dirt bikes over the clouds forevermore."

The family wishes to thank their Eastport Family for their prayers and love especially his brother friend Terry Erndt for his support. Also Linda Kapplinger, Karen Hoover and Tammy Maynard for being with us during Mike's honor walk. Dawn made sure Mike’s favorite band, The Allman Brothers, was playing Midnight Rider. A very special friend Maxine Weburg wrote to mike's mom: "Betty have you noticed how beautiful the sky is today? I think it's the Eastport Gang celebrating the arrival of The Midnight Rider...Lisa at the organ, Paul waiting with a beer and Larry shaking his head saying yep yep yep."

Honoring Mike's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00-8:00 pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Hwy, Saginaw, MI 48601.Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the chapel or through www.casefuneralhome.com