Dwight G. Bender

Dwight G. Bender
March 22, 1927 - October 08, 2009
Kalona, Iowa
Visitation: 2-8 p.m. October 10, 2009 at Yoder-Powell Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. October 11, 2009 at West Union Mennonite Church, rural Parnell
Interment: October 11, 2009 at West Union Mennonite Cemetery
Dwight G. Bender was born March 22, 1927, in Iowa City, Iowa, to George S. and Sarah M. (Eash) Bender and graduated from Hesston Academy in 1944. On June 27, 1948, he married Henrietta June Hochstetler at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church. The couple lived in rural Wellman where Dwight farmed and delivered L.P. for Home Gas Company, retiring in 1995. Following marriage the couple moved to Kalona. Dwight was a member of West Union Mennonite Church, where he held various positions over the years. Dwight died Thursday, October 8, 2009, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona, at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 16 days. Survivors include four children: Julia Bender of San Francisco, California, Gloria (Gay) Widmer of Washington, Donovan (Karen) Bender of Wellman and Beth Bender of San Diego, California; four grandchildren: Nicole (Nathan) Nikkel of Pella, Amy Widmer of Washington and Timothy and Tobyn Bender, both of Wellman; three great grandchildren: Leah, Makayla and Blake Timothy Nikkel, all of Pella and one brother: Clayton Bender of Phoenix, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife on January 24, 2003. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2009, at West Union Mennonite Church with Pastors David Boshart and Martha Yoder officiating. Burial will be at West Union Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona, where the family will be present from 2-4 and 6-8. A memorial fund has been established for Pleasantview Home or West Union Mennonite Church.