Richard Lee Bender

Richard Lee Bender

March 18, 1939 – June 21, 2026

Richard “Dick” Lee Bender 87, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Greenleaf Rehabilitation in Elkhart.

Born in Elkhart, Dick was a lifelong area resident and proud graduate of Elkhart High School.  Dick married Carolyn Neece, and together they had four children: Jeff, Bruce, Amy, and Jason. They spent 25 years together sharing the important bond of raising their family together.

Dick’s career reflected his determination and drive.  He began working at CTS in Mishawaka, starting out cleaning bathrooms and eventually becoming a salesman. In 1974, he took the next step and founded Bender Mold and Machine on Hoosier Avenue in Mishawaka. He later started Bender Plastics in 1983 and went on to develop Bender Industrial Parkway, moving his business there in 1995.He retired in 2005, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues through the companies he built.

Dick enjoyed the things that brought him the most happiness: spending time with family and friends, being on the water, golfing, and cheering on Notre Dame. He lived on Birch Lake from 1983 to 2018, where he enjoyed boating, skiing, and making memories with the people around him.

Dick was hardworking, independent, and never afraid to share his opinion. He had a sarcastic sense of humor and a knack for keeping people laughing. Those who knew him knew exactly who he was, and that was part of what made him memorable.

His legacy lives on through his children: Jeff (Beth) Bender, Bruce Bender, Amy (Rick) Modjeska, and Jason (Amy) Bender; his 12 grandchildren: Travis Bender, Scott Bender-Wall, Lindsay Schwab, Kayleigh Radabaugh, Kristen Baldridge, Dusten Modjeska, Madison Bender, Cierra Carey, Austin Carey, Dalton Carey, Brandin Bender, and Brittin Bender.

He was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his brother, Jim Bender. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Edna Bender, and his brothers, Rex Bender and Stan Bender.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 17, 2026, at the Birch Lake Yacht Club 63658 Ione Street Vandalia, Michigan 49095 from 3pm-7pm.  Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the life of Dick Bender.

Zimmerman Clouse Funeral Home (formally known as Waterman Westbrook Clouse Funeral Home) has been entrusted with his care.

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