YANKTON, S.D. — Robert J. Bender, 85, Yankton, S.D., died Dec. 15, 2024, surrounded by his family, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton. Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 20 at Holy Family (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church, St. Helena, with Rev. Marcus Knecht officiating. Burial was in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, St. Helena, with military honors performed by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791 of Yankton. Visitation, with a rosary and vigil service were Dec. 19 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home, Yankton, and continued one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Pallbearers were his grandsons and nephews, Robbie, Hayden, Collin, Mike, Gale, Chris, Kevin, Mark, Karl and Pat.

Honorary pallbearers were his granddaughters and nieces, Kelsea, Emma, Ellis, Brynlee, Delaine, Sharla and Lynn.

Robert J. Bender was born Nov. 5, 1939, on his dad’s birthday. He was the middle child of three boys born to Julius and Hilaria (Bruening) Bender. He grew up on the family farm just west of St. Helena. He learned many lessons on the farm that guided him through his life. He loved being the keeper of the family tales and took great pride in knowing a great deal of family history – his own as well as pretty much everyone else’s in Cedar County. He always said St. Helena was the best place to live. He went to country schools in St. Helena and graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1957. He spoke fondly of all his school friends and enjoyed playing football and also acting in one act plays.

He entered the United States Army in 1958. He did a tour to serve his county in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1960. He was awarded good conduct and sharpshooter badges during his service. He was very proud of his military service.

He met Norma Jean Winckler at a dance and they married on June 10, 1965. They were looking forward to celebrating their 60th Anniversary in 2025. Many a dance was done to big band music that they both loved. They welcomed their first child, Steve, a daughter, Audrea, and another son, James, to round out the Bender Crew.

Robert farmed until 1983, but then found his next calling by joining the welding crew at Kolberg’s, now Astec. He enjoyed his time there making many friends. He kept very detailed notebooks of all his work there. He retired after 26 years.

To say Robert enjoyed his retirement is an understatement. He loved the honey do lists that he did at his own pace of course. He would spend hours figuring out the “Best” way to do things. He loved visits from everyone that stopped by which usually ended with a little nip of the Lord. If you know, you know.

He was very so proud of his kids and grandkids, loving to hear about everyone’s activities and accomplishments. He loved that he has a grandchild in the military as well as one that works at his old stomping ground at Astec. He always loved hearing stories and telling them, too. That will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Robert is survived by his wife, Norma, Yankton, S.D.; three children, Steve (Becky) Bender, Chandler, Ariz.; Audrea (Todd) Hecht, Yankton, S.D.; and James (Missy) Bender, Yankton, S.D.; six grandchildren, Hayden Bender (Michelle), Collin (Brandi) Bender, Robbie (Eva) Hecht, Kelsea Hecht, Mike Bender and Emma Bender; two great-grandchildren, Ellis and Brynlee Hecht; and one brother, Loren (Ruth) Bender, St. Helena.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Hilaria; brother, Charles (Alberta) Bender; and father- and mother-in-law, Hubert and Edna Winckler.