John Bender

JOHN LOWELL BENDER, M.D., 78 ROCKFORD - John Lowell Bender, M.D., 78, of Rockford, born April 10, 1930, to John S and Frances L. (Carlson) Bender, died March 12, 2009, of Fabry disease. A graduate of East Rockford High School, Class of 1948. A sergeant of the 1st Marine Division, he participated in the Enchon Landing, the capture of Kimpo airfield, the capture of Seoul and the Wonsan and Hamhug landings during the Korean War (1950 -1951). He was the holder of the Marine Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and three battle stars. He attended the University of Illinois at Champaign and graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago in 1959. He took a neurology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, from 1963 to 1966. Upon returning to Rockford, he joined the Neurologic Clinic of Rockford. He taught at the Rockford School of Medicine for 25 years, including heading the section of neurology and neurosurgery for five years. He retired as clinical associated professor in 1991. He was a published author in the journals of his specialty. John was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the University Club of Rockford. He was an avid reader of history and biography, enjoyed traveling in Europe and the Orient, sailing, cross country skiing and fishing. He had the honor to marry Carol C. Hajicek on Aug. 6, 1955. They have three daughters; Professor Kimberly A. (Stanley) Schwartz, Gwynne E. Bablitch and Jody L. (Kenneth) Green; granddaughters, Kendra M. and Emily N. Green. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, in St. Paul Lutheran Church, 600 N. Horsman St., Rockford, with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of service; the Rev. David Theis, senior pastor, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church and/or Northern Illinois Hospice. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois.