With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Margaret Joan Bender of New Ulm, Minnesota, born in Bismarck, North Dakota, who passed away on June 6, 2023 at the age of 83. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by : her parents, Joseph J. Geiss and Margaret M. Geiss (Graner); her husband Gerald; and her brother Russell Geiss. She is survived by : her children, Paulette Shilling (Richard) of Four Oaks, Gregory Bender (Ingrid) of Wiesbaden, Rebecca Bown (Michael) of East Bethel, Nancy Jo Dauer (Allen) of New Ulm and Joseph Bender (Iris Rosales) of New Ulm; her grandchildren, Jamie, Jackson Shilling, Patrick, Jennifer Bender, Scott Bown, Matthew Bown (Heather), Maggie Suess (Jon), Adam, Loren and Rachel Dauer; her great grandchildren, Hailey, Jayden, Jaxyn, Carson Bown, Allie and Tucker Suess; and her siblings-in-law, Sundra Geiss of Mandan, ND, Dolores Scott of West Point, NE, Nettie Braun (Dennis) of Mandan, ND, Cecilia Bender of Billings, MT and Clarence Bender (Millie) of Billings, MT. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Allina Hospice, St. Jude's Children Hospital, or the donor's choice.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes