Michael Bender

Michael Melvin Bender was born December 26, 1957 to Melvin and Dorothy Bender in Mitchell, SD. Mike was welcomed into a hard-working, loving German family, and is survived by his parents of Mitchell, SD, sisters Cheryl (Dennis) Kunkel, Lynette (Brian Clark) Bender, Dawn Bender of Oklahoma City, OK, and Peggy Sue (John) Rassel. A brother, Jerry Ray Bender, died in childhood. Mike married Genevieve Mojica and became a father to his daughter, Veronica Mojica, and sons Blaine and Michael Bender. It was determined on March 5, 2012 that Mike Bender had died. Mike grew up learning how to work hard, which he did with his hands, becoming a carpenter and woodworker. For the last 14 years, Mike worked at Defense Technologies, now Safariland, where he headed international shipping. Mike loved motorcycles and old trucks that he could tinker on, and going to Sturgis to enjoy the bikers. He could usually be found wearing his leather skullcap. Fellow workers and friends will remember Mike as always being willing to lend a hand, often working hard on their projects during the weekend, and sharing a beer and a good story. He continued to make signs and wood-working crafts as a hobby. Mike also was a friend to cats, even to the point of carving a wooden headstone for a friend's deceased pet. He never met a stranger and always had a courteous manner, a quiet smile and a firm handshake. He loved his kids and grandson, Malakai, and was very much a part of their lives, always there for them and reminding them "we're family". He is greatly missed by his family, friends and co-workers for the kind man he was. Cremation has taken place. Services will be conducted at Bustard's Funeral Directors, 600 CY Avenue, by Pastor Mark Lewis, Rock of Ages Church, on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11 AM. Celebration of life reception follows at the VFW Hall, 420 West 1st Street, Casper, WY. Memorial donations may be made to assist Mike's Family to WyHy Federal Credit Union.

Service

Friday, March 16, 2012 11:00am

Bustard's Funeral Home

600 CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82601