Robert R. Bender

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my beloved brother, Robert R. Bender, on August 16, 2025 at the age of 61. Robert resided in Lakeview of Chicago, IL. Robert was born on September 8, 1963 in St Louis, MO a beloved son to Florence and Ronald Bender.

He attended Missouri State University and earned his Bachelor degree in Business Finance, Banking, Real Estate & Economics and graduated summa cum laude. He was a member of Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity. After college, he worked for FHLLB as a senior bank examiner, Gershman Investment Corporation as an investor accounting manager and assistant treasurer, then PNC Mortgage Corp of America in Chicago. He quickly was recruited to work for EDS in Dallas, TX where he developed his love of travel abroad. He spent 2 years working in their Sydney, AUS office as a Sr. Business Consultant in International Finance & Mortgage. His health began to impact his ability to travel and tolerate the Texas heat, and he was recruited by Fannie Mae as a Sr. Manager/Executive Administration in Governance & Operational Risk to work in Chicago. His love of Chicago (the cooler weather) and return to his medical specialists in the Windy City was an opportunity he could not pass up. Fannie Mae treated him well and supported him for over 15 years, including accommodations for his organ transplantation and eventual long term disability. He was forever grateful for FM's support and the wonderful people he had the pleasure working with. Eventually his health took a greater toll on his ability to work at the high-level pace that he set for himself. Robert was never one to do a job poorly and when he felt it was too much, he stepped down to take care of himself and enjoy the limited time left on this earth. His doctors encouraged him to travel and enjoy life to its fullest, so he did! Robert was able to participate in a variety of non-profit organizations and travel the world. The stories he told were unbelievable, perhaps stretched in truth a little, but enjoyable to hear him tell them and laugh about. He remained active as a member of the United Court of the Lone Star Empire in Dallas, TX and as a volunteer at the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago. He loved the theatre and attended shows regularly. He loved visiting with his nephews and imparting his wisdom to their lives and their mother. He was an excellent brother, an excellent uncle, a beloved cousin, and treasured friend and neighbor to all he met.

Robert will always be remembered for his love of travel, his unbelievable and funny stories, his willingness to help others, and his compassion for life. May he rest in peace.

He is survived by his sister Diane and nephews, Ayyub Abu-Issa and Nolan Neal.

A graveside service will be held at Graceland Cemetery and Crematorium (4001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL) on Thursday August 21st, 2025 at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to United Court of the Lone Star Empire in Dallas, TX a 501c(3) or the Northwestern Comprehensive Transplant Center.