A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be March 12, at 10 a.m., at Holy Family (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church, St. Helena, with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating.

Burial of his cremated remains will be at Immaculate Conception cemetery at a later date.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Eric Wieseler, Russ Wiepen, Ryan Higgins, Craig Jackson, Brett Noecker, Curt Suing, Curt Becker, the Brothers of International Electrical Workers Local 265, and all his cousins.

Visitation and a vigil service were Tuesday, at church, and will continue Wednesday, one hour prior to services.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Patrick was born March 24, 1980, inYankton, S.D., to Loren and Ruth Ann (Bonertz) Bender. Patrick attended East Catholic Elementary and graduated from Wynot Public High School in 1998. He then trained to be an electrician at Northeast Community College, Norfolk. Upon graduation in 2000, Patrick went to work for Kaneb Pipe Company and Gene’s Electric, while getting his journeyman’s card. He then went on to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 265), of which he was very proud. His first union job was at Pinnacle Bank Arena. He also worked at building several data centers including Google and Facebook, along with many other projects.

Patrick was an avid Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Twins fan, attending several games. He was also a fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and was especially fond of Husker tailgating. He loved to travel, from visiting Germany during Oktoberfest, to enjoying a cruise in Alaska, a few trips to Vegas, and car trips with family while on vacations.

He founded the St. Helena Fantasy Football League. Patrick also started a pro football 33 league, enjoyed by many. He enjoyed family time, and was very proud of his nieces and nephew. Patrick hosted the family Christmas gathering in June up in the Black Hills and made sure every detail was covered.

Patrick is survived by his parents, Loren and Ruth, St. Helena; a sister, Lynn Bender, Grand Island; two brothers, Mark (Heather) Bender, Lincoln, and Karl (Lindy) Bender, Omaha; nieces, Elizabeth, Katie and Serena; nephew, Sam; aunts and uncles, Roger (Mary Jo) Bonertz, St. Helena; Jane Thelen, Fordyce; Robert Suing, Crofton; and Norma Bender, Yankton, S.D.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Julius and Hilaria Bender, and Ted and Cordula Bonertz; uncles, Charles (Alberta) Bender, Robert Bender and Doug Thelen; and aunt, Patricia Suing.