William "Bill" Bender's Obituary
Born April 30, 1929 in McIntosh, South Dakota, he and his twin brother Leo were the 14th & 15th of 17 children born of German immigrants Valentine and Rosa Bender. He passed away August 19, 2020 in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 91.
Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joanne Siler Bender and their three children, Gary (Donna), Charles (Barbara), and Rosella (Joel); and three grandchildren Carly, Collin, and Cameron. He is also survived by his sisters, Angeline Werner and Lily Rose Smith along with many nieces and nephews.
Bill grew up in North Dakota until his family moved to Yakima, Washington in 1936 when he was seven years old. There he and his siblings worked hard in the hop fields to help provide for their family. In 1942 he moved with his parents and younger siblings to Tacoma from Yakima.
He began learning English when he started public school. At eight years old, he contracted Poliomyelitis (polio) which later left him unable to serve in the military with ten of his brothers. Instead, Bill went to work at Hogan’s market in South Tacoma, while attending Bellarmine Boys Preparatory School and was in the graduating class of 1950.
His work in grocery stores was the start of a long 40+ year career in the food service industry. Bill owned or worked in many restaurants and bars in the greater Tacoma area including; Squeek’s, Airport, and Pine Taverns, Browne’s Star Grill, Polar Bear Restaurant, Doric Hotel and the Tacoma Elks Club (of which he was a lifetime member). In the 1980’s he was voted Best Bartender in Tacoma and was awarded a well-earned trip to Hawaii with Joanne.
Bill will always be remembered for his love of faith and family. He was a dedicated parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church and served as an usher for many years. His devotion to family was unwavering. Including being an amazing supportive grandparent, father, uncle, and husband.
We would like to thank Narrows Place Adult Family Home for the compassionate care he received during the last months, as well as Multicare Hospice nurses and Tacoma Lutheran Home Staff. All his health care needs were met by these organizations with dignity and professionalism.
He will be interred at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington.
Everyone who knows Bill is familiar with his infamous sense of humor and quick one-liners. Please raise a glass and toast to a well-loved man who lived a long and happy life!
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