Dr. Daniel P. Bender

PORTAGE – Dr. Daniel P. Bender of Lawrence, Wisconsin, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on April 18, 2017, at Tivoli in Portage.

Dan was born Nov. 15, 1939, in Bloomer, Wisconsin to Willard and Florian Bender. He spent his childhood in Monroe, WI where he graduated high school in 1957, attended the College of St. Thomas, then moved to Milwaukee, WI where he graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1963. Dan began practicing dentistry in 1964 and was a practicing dentist in Portage, WI for over 40 years.  He married Meredythe Hunter July 3, 1965 in Waukesha, WI. Their marriage ended in 1990, and the two always remained close friends.  As a youth Dan was an Eagle Scout and participated in Badger Boys State, experiences that helped to shape his loyalty, leadership, and optimistic outlook. Later, Dan belonged to the Wisconsin Dental Society, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, and Writers at the Portage. Dan was a man of many interests, particularly skiing, music, writing poetry, gardening, carpentry and of course football. Dan loved to work with his hands and also cultivated life-long friendships. Later in life he could be found working in the yard of the house that he built in Lawrence, filled with the plants and flowers that so many of his patients had brought him throughout the years.

He is survived by daughter Carol Bender (David) Riese, Cross Plains; sons Matthew (Nicole), Wisconsin Rapids; Ty, Milwaukee and Willard, Portage as well as six grandchildren, Michael Bender, Alex Bender, Moira Bender, Florian Riese, Lauren Bender and Isabella Riese. In addition, Dan is survived by his former wife, Meredythe, brother, Willard “Bink” Bender, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Raymond, and sisters Jane Ann and Karen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 24, 2017, at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Prayer will be led by the Knights of Columbus at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will also be on Tuesday, at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Portage, or Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Westfield.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. David Gregory, Tivoli staff for the care and respect they showed Dan and his family, Agrace Hospice and Pete Bartaczewicz Dan’s faithful chess opponent.