Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1968
DIED
2012
Michael Bender Obituary
June 30, 1968
November 16, 2012
Michael Bender, 44, of Sparks, NV passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 16, 2012. Michael was born in Cleveland, OH to his parents Johanna G. Bender and Ronald J. Bender, Sr.
He was a 1986 graduate of Wooster High School. Michael was employed for 25 years as a warehouse, delivery and service technician for Gruner's Furniture and La Z Boy Furniture Galleries. Michael truly loved his family. He married the love of his life Carol and was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing and being in the great outdoors, and was a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Michael will be remembered as a kind spirit, with a wonderful sense of humor, and how he loved animals.
Surviving Michael are his parents, Ronald & Johanna Bender of Rock Springs, WY, his wife Carol, children Brent, Elizabeth, Kallieann, Adam, Joey and Mara, brothers Ronald Bender of Sparks, NV and Robert Bender of Wyoming, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bender
Sponsored by A FRIEND.
carol Bender
June 4, 2015
Well Michael tomorrow would have been our 16th wedding aniversery.
I miss you more and more each day. Had I known that we didn't get that long together I would have been a better wife. I just hope you know that I love you with all my heart and soul. And I always will
June 15, 2014
Well Michael it is fathers day. And the kids are missing you. Mara wants to wish you a Happy Fathers Day. She looks like you more and more everyday. So honey Happy Fathers Day to the worlds best dad. And thank you for raising kids that you did not have to raise as your own.
Love You
Carol
December 25, 2013
Today is another holiday without you. Miss seeing you hand out the gifts to the kids. I got each of them dog tags that said in loving memory of michael edward bender and your birthday and the day you left us. Mara is getting so big and looks just like you. I hope that you are looking down on us. And I hope that I am doing everything you want.
November 16, 2013
Michael, God took you way to soon. There are so many words left unsaid.So many things we wanted to do. I love and miss you more everyday.
Love you
Carol
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Elizabeth Bender
November 16, 2013
Today marks a year that you have been gone and it still isn't any easier. We see you everyday in Mara as she grows. We love and miss you terribly. Until we all see each other again we love you.
November 16, 2013
Today is the day God took you to be with him. I miss you everyday and wish I could see your beautiful smile. There were some many things we wanted to do and so many words left unsaid. I love and miss you.
This rose is for you.
Mom
June 30, 2013
Today is your 45th. birthday. It breaks my heart that I can't call and wish you a happy birthday. I love and miss you so much,son. At times it is unbearable but your brothers keep me strong. They love you,too even tho you may have thought they were distant. Rest in peace, my "baby". Love you more, Mom
January 1, 2013
Well Michael, Happy New Year Baby. I love you and miss you.
Laura Lovett
December 16, 2012
You were my uncle through marriage but you still made me feel loved with the greatest of ease. A gentle hug and a warm smile were always there when I needed it. You will be missed.
Carey Trisler
December 7, 2012
I also went to high school with Mike where we became friends cruising in his 1974 Dodge Charger. Sometime after graduation we lost touch and for that I will always be sad...RIP Michael.
Dave Heitmann
December 3, 2012
Mike, I haven't seen you in a very long time. We went tousle school and high school together. I remember riding our bike to school and taking about music--Van Halen. High school ended and we went two different directions. I'm sorry we didn't stay in contact.
KallieAnn Ham
December 1, 2012
Daddy it still hurts to think that your gone. My world crumble the day we lost you and you went to heaven. So many words left unsaid. So many times since you've been gone that I wish I could run to you for your comforting hugs. I will always have so many memories with you. Hopefully one day I will be able to look back on all the memories and smile but right now it hurts cuz I miss you dearly. You always put a smile on my face and you made mommy and us kids all so happy. When I look at Mara, I will always see you daddy... You were the best daddy any could ever ask for. I love and miss you and always will. I know you'll be watching over me till we meet again daddy.... I'll be rooting for the Steelers for you daddy. I hope you have a flat screen watching them to daddy cheering louder then anyone... Forever my daddy, forever you little girl....
Lei Trease-Cox
November 30, 2012
Michael you were taken much too early in life. Your wonderful sense of humor and zest for life will be missed. Carol and all of the children will miss you deeply. Everyone's memories will be treasured.
Shianne Plumlee
November 29, 2012
Mike... Where to begin? Ive known you and your family for 2 years now and I must say, you have done an amazing job not only as a loving husband, but also a devoted father. Ive fallen in love with all of you and have grown to think of you guys as my own family. I will forever remember you as the easy smiled gentle giant who raised a family that will always hold you dear to their heart and never far apart. Your memory will infinitely live on for generations to come through stories passed down of your incredible honor towards everything that you held dear in your life. Untill we meet agan, rest easy, and I hope you have the biggest flat screen in heaven because football season isnt over just yet!
Susan Walsh
November 28, 2012
Carol and Family.....You are in our thoughts and prayers as you endure this loss. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Michael has been blessed by his love, humor and friendship. We hold some very special memories of Mike as he was even in my wedding. We will miss you dearly Mike....Lotsa Love....
Cyndi Callahan
November 26, 2012
I am shocked and saddened to read this. Mike and I went to school together for many years. Always such a kind guy. I'm so saddened for you, his family.
Christina Bender
November 26, 2012
You will be missed by many Uncle Michael, and will always remain in our hearts. I remember when me and my sister were younger, every-time we had done something wrong you would pinch our butts. I also remember when you had bought Michelle a jeep and she would call you Michael, Michael Motorcycle. You will always remain in our hearts, and your memories will always live on.
Robert Bender
November 26, 2012
Michael - Still so very numb over this and I will miss you terribly, little brother. A lot of unsaid words and times not spent. To Carol and family; so very sorry.
Loving tribute
Mom
November 25, 2012
My "gentle giant" with a big and loving heart.
Mom
November 25, 2012
Crazy about them Steelers!
Mom
November 25, 2012
The loves of my life.
Mom
November 25, 2012
Mom
November 25, 2012
Michael,my "baby", you are one of the brightest lights of my life as are your brothers. Gone way too soon and we had so much to talk about and do.I miss you terribly, son. Will my heart ever heal?
Don Gruner
November 25, 2012
Thanks Mike for everything you did to help me over the years. I will always remember your smile. You were a valued employee and I will miss you. I know you loved Carol. The pictures in your home shows how much you loved Carol and all the children. It was a pleasure for knowing you for over 25 years. Your heart was in the right place. I will miss you. God bless you. Don
Ruben
November 25, 2012
Michael, you will be missed very much...
I will remember you just like the image of you. always a smile!!!
a message to Carol & Family, Michael is
at peace now and with our God almighty!
Emily Whitwell
November 25, 2012
I also worked with Mike at La-Z-Boy; my favorite memory of him was walking in the stock room and hearing him sing "..hold me closer, Tony Danza!" To Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" with an ear to ear grin on his face. To Carol and family; so very sorry for your loss; sending prayers to you all. He is so missed.
Kelly Stricker
November 25, 2012
He was a co-worker of mine at La Z Boy.
My memory of Mike is him snow blowing the parking lot wearing shorts and his Steelers santa hat.That always made me smile.
He was a kind old soul. I was always impressed with how well he treated customers.
I am grateful to have known him and worked with him.
November 25, 2012
Michael you were taken away from me way to soon. There were so many things that we still wanted to do. I look at Mara everyday and see you in her. We will be together again and will spend the rest of our lifes together. I love you with all my heart. Your wife Carol
November 25, 2012
To Carol and family,
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. We were shocked & saddened to hear of Michael's passing. We all have many great memories that will be with us as we mourn Michael's loss. Rest in peace, Mike.
Becky & Don Gruner
Rhonda Judish-Walker
November 25, 2012
Mike was so nice to me when I first moved to Reno in late 1996. Having no friends or family here, he helped me move my few belongings to a new place when things were tough. He gave me a bed when I had nothing. He was a genuinely caring person and his character still shines through for me. I also had the pleasure of briefly knowing Carol when I sold Tupperware and at the Gruners' holiday dinner. May the happy memories sustain you as you grieve; I know he made quite an impression on me and I'll never forget him as a co-worker and friend.
Elizabeth/Mara Bender
November 25, 2012
I will love and miss you always and will never forget you. I love you.
Ronald Bender Jr
November 25, 2012
Mike You were taken from us way to early. Rest in Peace Little Brother. We Love and Miss you.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Bender's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Bender
People and places connected with Michael
Recent Obituaries
How to support Michael's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Bender's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
