Robert Milton Bender went to be with his Heavenly Father on Father's Day, June 21, 2015, at David M. Dorsett Senior Care in Spearfish at the age of 87.

Bob was born in 1927 in Oconomowoc, WI, to Walter and Helen Bender. He served in the navy and on his return went to school at Waldorf Junior College in Forest City, IA. It was here he met his bride, Marilyn Graeber. Shortly after their marriage in 1951 he was called back into service during the Korean War. When he came home he finished his studies at Luther College and the University of Iowa, getting his degree at the School of Social Work. He went on to work at Lutheran Social Services in Des Moines, IA, and then The Department of Veterans Affairs. It was during his time with the VA that the Bender family moved to Fort Meade, SD. After his retirement from the VA, Bob and Marilyn moved to Sturgis.

Bob loved his God, his family, his country and his horses (although there were times when the family wasn't sure if the horses didn't rank ahead of them!) He was a loving husband and father; showing his love in many ways each day: from building tree forts and swings, to helping with their high school productions and scout troops. He even found time to write a secret letter from a favorite super hero that would mysteriously find its way into a bedroom! In the community, he was active in Community Theater, both in Sturgis and Rapid City, community concerts, the Fort Meade horse club, and the local 4-Wheelers club. He was always ready to lend his booming voice to a community cause.

He's survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn; children, Laurie (Phil) Bangs of Ashland, OR, Rob (Georgia) Bender of Valley Springs, SD, and Randy (Elvira) Bender of Sturgis; and brothers, Wally and John Bender. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 25, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Pastor Henrique Fleming officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.

Memorials may be given to the Old Fort Meade Museum, Fort Meade, SD.