Duane A. Bender Obituary
We bid farewell to Duane A. Bender of Freeport, Illinois, whose journey of life gracefully concluded on September 3, 2025 at the age of 86. Duane touched countless lives with warmth and kindness, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever echo in hearts. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
As Duane departs from this earthly realm, his essence lingers — a whisper on the wind, a ripple on the water — a testament to the enduring power of love to transcend the boundaries of life and death. Though Duane may no longer walk beside us, his spirit lives on in the memories and the legacy Duane leaves behind.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Alvin Bender and Jere Bender (Mussellman); his wife Shelly Johnson; his sons, Davee and Derek; his brother Mike; and his nephew Mikey.
He is survived by: his sons, Duane Bender Jr. (Debbie) of Cambridge, MN and Douglas Bender (Jennifer) of Linwood, MN; his daughter-in-law Jeri Bender of Monroe, WI; his sister Marcy Elliot of Freeport, IL; his sister-in-law Betty Bender of Springfield, MO; and his niece Dalene Preston. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
