Kenneth Bender

Kenneth George Bender, 83, passed away on January 16, 2024, in Winter Garden, FL. 

He was born on March 14, 1940, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Forrest and Anne Bender and grew up on the family farm in Middleville, MI. Ken met Kathleen Marie Schmidt while attending university, and they were married on August 11, 1962, in Salem, OR. Early in their marriage, they entered the ministry. For the next 40 years, Ken worked as a missionary, teacher, and pastor in Scotland, Florida, and Alabama.    

All who knew Ken came to know that he loved God, his family, Scotland, watching football and hockey, and his work in ministry. He (along with our mum) had a desire to serve God faithfully and others with joy, energy, care, and perseverance, even despite significant personal heartaches. And though their ministry overflowed with Bible study and activities, Ken was present in family life. He was a loving dad, kind, gentle, wise, fun, adventuresome, and handy around the house and garden. He also always loved and admired our mum, her beauty inside and out, and appreciated her willing and able partnership in ministry, her care of him, and her strength.  

Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathleen. He leaves behind his children, Stephen (Marcy) Bender, Lois (José) Sánchez, Philip (Stephanie) Bender, Ruth (Mark) McGuire, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. 

Ken is preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Alexander; his parents, Forrest and Anne; and his brothers, Clare (Helen) and John (Marcia).  

The visitation will be held January 26 at 10 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, Winter Garden, FL, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., Pastor T.J. Klapperich officiating. A private interment will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, Ken asked that memorials or donations be made to the Grace Giving Fund at Calvary Baptist Church, Winter Garden, FL. 

Ken’s family want to extend a special thanks to the nurses, nursing assistants, and staff at Health Central Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Winter Garden, FL, for making personal connections with him while attending with skill to his physical needs.