Freida Bender

KALONA - Freida Fern Bender passed away Sunday, September 24 at Pleasantview Home in Kalona at the age of 98 years.
Freida Lehman was born in Wood River, Nebraska on December 1, 1918, the daughter of David and Anna (Saltzman) Lehman. She married Clarence Bender on December 25, 1941 and they lived in rural Coralville, then rural Kalona where they farmed. She was an active member of Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church, taught Sunday school classes and was involved with the women's sewing circle. She was an avid quilter and also enjoyed handwork, reading, and baking. There were always homemade cookies in the cookie jar within easy reach of all the grandchildren. She enjoyed many years with friends and family after she moved to Pleasantview Home, and was grateful for the care she received from the staff at Pleasantview and Iowa City Hospice.
Freida is survived by her children, Norma (Buzz) Miller, Kalona; Lorna (Russell) Miller, Wellman; Ray (Jody) Bender, Kalona; and Marie (Mark) Lenker, Fairfax, VA. She was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, in 1999, and her siblings - Elma Erb, Enos Lehman, Ada Mitchell, and Chester Lehman.
Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, September 28 at 10:30 at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church in rural Kalona. Pastor Don Patterson will officiate. Burial will be in the Lower Deer Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Yoder Powell Funeral Home in Kalona on Wednesday, September 27, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 3-5 and 6-8. A memorial fund has been established for the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Women.