Alvin William Bender, known to family and friends as “Bones” passed from this life to eternal rest on September 14, 2020, at Countryside Home in Madison, Nebraska.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay, Nebraska, with Fr. Eric Olsen celebrating the Mass. Interment with military honors will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil Service at the church. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time also at the church. Due to recent COVID restrictions and out of an abundance of caution, there will not be a meal served after the burial.
Alvin was born on the family farm in Platte County, Nebraska, near Cornlea, on June 18, 1926, to John A. and Elsie (Coldwell) Bender. He was one of five children and lived on the family farm for 84 of his 94 years.
Alvin graduated from Humphrey High School in 1945 and went on to serve in the United States Army 6th Division, 80th Field Artillery Battalion Supply from October 18, 1945, to February 11, 1947, training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Alvin was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. When he returned from service, he courted Celine “Boots” Beller. They were married on May 17, 1949, at Holy Family Church in Lindsay.
Alvin and Boots soon became loving parents to Herb, Bonnie, Jack, Glen, Ron, and JoAnn, and raising them on the same farm where Alvin grew up. They raised a variety of livestock and cultivated corn and soybeans around the home place. They had a handful of unconventional pets including a Bantam rooster named George. George made the Benders famous for a brief stint when George competed in a crowing contest at the Illinois State Fair. Alvin and Boots were even featured on a television show for George’s crowing achievements!
Another fair-feathered family affair was homing pigeons. Alvin was a member of the Platte Valley Racing club. He had friends coast to coast who were avid pigeon racers. The Benders hosted pigeon clubs from other states providing a central gathering place for fans and birds alike. Sons Herb and Ron and grandson Chad continued with the family pastime by becoming involved in the racing club as well.
Beagles were a constant in Alvin’s life, having them as pets, hunting partners and eventually raising them for others to enjoy.
Early in their marriage the Benders danced in a square dancing club and later were part of a local 500 club.
Bones loved to play cards with friends, dominoes with family, Aggravation with siblings and openly voiced his thoughts about everyone’s playing ability. He loved fishing with his buddies and telling fishing stories afterward. He had a sharp wit; perfect for telling tall tales and rapid-fire jokes.
Alvin was a member of the Humphrey American Legion, and was active in serving deceased veterans by performing the three-volley salute during their funerals. He was active as a member of the Honor Guard for annual Memorial Day services for Humphrey and the surrounding communities.
Bones and Boots were lifelong members of Holy Family Church, serving in various capacities throughout the years.
Bones truly enjoyed farm life and was the sole fire fighter when there was a kitchen fire in 2014, saving the farmhouse from being consumed.
Alvin is survived by his children and their spouses, Bonnie Hoffmeister and husband John; Jack and Traci Bender; Glen Bender and Deb Rojas; Ron and Lori Bender; JoAnn Jones and husband Jeff; Annette (Herb) Bender; and Butch Osten. Fourteen grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Boots, their son Herb, and his siblings Vernon (Bud) Bender, Harold (Jake) Bender, Ethel Uchtman and Marian Lloyd and their spouses.
Alvin has lived at Countryside Home for the past four years and maintained a clear mind up to his passing.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay, Nebraska, with Fr. Eric Olsen celebrating the Mass. Interment with military honors will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil Service at the church. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time also at the church. Due to recent COVID restrictions and out of an abundance of caution, there will not be a meal served after the burial.
Alvin was born on the family farm in Platte County, Nebraska, near Cornlea, on June 18, 1926, to John A. and Elsie (Coldwell) Bender. He was one of five children and lived on the family farm for 84 of his 94 years.
Alvin graduated from Humphrey High School in 1945 and went on to serve in the United States Army 6th Division, 80th Field Artillery Battalion Supply from October 18, 1945, to February 11, 1947, training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Alvin was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. When he returned from service, he courted Celine “Boots” Beller. They were married on May 17, 1949, at Holy Family Church in Lindsay.
Alvin and Boots soon became loving parents to Herb, Bonnie, Jack, Glen, Ron, and JoAnn, and raising them on the same farm where Alvin grew up. They raised a variety of livestock and cultivated corn and soybeans around the home place. They had a handful of unconventional pets including a Bantam rooster named George. George made the Benders famous for a brief stint when George competed in a crowing contest at the Illinois State Fair. Alvin and Boots were even featured on a television show for George’s crowing achievements!
Another fair-feathered family affair was homing pigeons. Alvin was a member of the Platte Valley Racing club. He had friends coast to coast who were avid pigeon racers. The Benders hosted pigeon clubs from other states providing a central gathering place for fans and birds alike. Sons Herb and Ron and grandson Chad continued with the family pastime by becoming involved in the racing club as well.
Beagles were a constant in Alvin’s life, having them as pets, hunting partners and eventually raising them for others to enjoy.
Early in their marriage the Benders danced in a square dancing club and later were part of a local 500 club.
Bones loved to play cards with friends, dominoes with family, Aggravation with siblings and openly voiced his thoughts about everyone’s playing ability. He loved fishing with his buddies and telling fishing stories afterward. He had a sharp wit; perfect for telling tall tales and rapid-fire jokes.
Alvin was a member of the Humphrey American Legion, and was active in serving deceased veterans by performing the three-volley salute during their funerals. He was active as a member of the Honor Guard for annual Memorial Day services for Humphrey and the surrounding communities.
Bones and Boots were lifelong members of Holy Family Church, serving in various capacities throughout the years.
Bones truly enjoyed farm life and was the sole fire fighter when there was a kitchen fire in 2014, saving the farmhouse from being consumed.
Alvin is survived by his children and their spouses, Bonnie Hoffmeister and husband John; Jack and Traci Bender; Glen Bender and Deb Rojas; Ron and Lori Bender; JoAnn Jones and husband Jeff; Annette (Herb) Bender; and Butch Osten. Fourteen grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Boots, their son Herb, and his siblings Vernon (Bud) Bender, Harold (Jake) Bender, Ethel Uchtman and Marian Lloyd and their spouses.
Alvin has lived at Countryside Home for the past four years and maintained a clear mind up to his passing.
Alvin William Bender, known to family and friends as “Bones” passed from this life to eternal rest on September 14, 2020, at Countryside Home in Madison, Nebraska.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay, Nebraska, with Fr. Eric Olsen celebrating the Mass. Interment with military honors will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil Service at the church. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time also at the church. Due to recent COVID restrictions and out of an abundance of caution, there will not be a meal served after the burial.
Alvin was born on the family farm in Platte County, Nebraska, near Cornlea, on June 18, 1926, to John A. and Elsie (Coldwell) Bender. He was one of five children and lived on the family farm for 84 of his 94 years.
Alvin graduated from Humphrey High School in 1945 and went on to serve in the United States Army 6th Division, 80th Field Artillery Battalion Supply from October 18, 1945, to February 11, 1947, training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Alvin was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. When he returned from service, he courted Celine “Boots” Beller. They were married on May 17, 1949, at Holy Family Church in Lindsay.
Alvin and Boots soon became loving parents to Herb, Bonnie, Jack, Glen, Ron, and JoAnn, and raising them on the same farm where Alvin grew up. They raised a variety of livestock and cultivated corn and soybeans around the home place. They had a handful of unconventional pets including a Bantam rooster named George. George made the Benders famous for a brief stint when George competed in a crowing contest at the Illinois State Fair. Alvin and Boots were even featured on a television show for George’s crowing achievements!
Another fair-feathered family affair was homing pigeons. Alvin was a member of the Platte Valley Racing club. He had friends coast to coast who were avid pigeon racers. The Benders hosted pigeon clubs from other states providing a central gathering place for fans and birds alike. Sons Herb and Ron and grandson Chad continued with the family pastime by becoming involved in the racing club as well.
Beagles were a constant in Alvin’s life, having them as pets, hunting partners and eventually raising them for others to enjoy.
Early in their marriage the Benders danced in a square dancing club and later were part of a local 500 club.
Bones loved to play cards with friends, dominoes with family, Aggravation with siblings and openly voiced his thoughts about everyone’s playing ability. He loved fishing with his buddies and telling fishing stories afterward. He had a sharp wit; perfect for telling tall tales and rapid-fire jokes.
Alvin was a member of the Humphrey American Legion, and was active in serving deceased veterans by performing the three-volley salute during their funerals. He was active as a member of the Honor Guard for annual Memorial Day services for Humphrey and the surrounding communities.
Bones and Boots were lifelong members of Holy Family Church, serving in various capacities throughout the years.
Bones truly enjoyed farm life and was the sole fire fighter when there was a kitchen fire in 2014, saving the farmhouse from being consumed.
Alvin is survived by his children and their spouses, Bonnie Hoffmeister and husband John; Jack and Traci Bender; Glen Bender and Deb Rojas; Ron and Lori Bender; JoAnn Jones and husband Jeff; Annette (Herb) Bender; and Butch Osten. Fourteen grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Boots, their son Herb, and his siblings Vernon (Bud) Bender, Harold (Jake) Bender, Ethel Uchtman and Marian Lloyd and their spouses.
Alvin has lived at Countryside Home for the past four years and maintained a clear mind up to his passing.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay, Nebraska, with Fr. Eric Olsen celebrating the Mass. Interment with military honors will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil Service at the church. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time also at the church. Due to recent COVID restrictions and out of an abundance of caution, there will not be a meal served after the burial.
Alvin was born on the family farm in Platte County, Nebraska, near Cornlea, on June 18, 1926, to John A. and Elsie (Coldwell) Bender. He was one of five children and lived on the family farm for 84 of his 94 years.
Alvin graduated from Humphrey High School in 1945 and went on to serve in the United States Army 6th Division, 80th Field Artillery Battalion Supply from October 18, 1945, to February 11, 1947, training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Alvin was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. When he returned from service, he courted Celine “Boots” Beller. They were married on May 17, 1949, at Holy Family Church in Lindsay.
Alvin and Boots soon became loving parents to Herb, Bonnie, Jack, Glen, Ron, and JoAnn, and raising them on the same farm where Alvin grew up. They raised a variety of livestock and cultivated corn and soybeans around the home place. They had a handful of unconventional pets including a Bantam rooster named George. George made the Benders famous for a brief stint when George competed in a crowing contest at the Illinois State Fair. Alvin and Boots were even featured on a television show for George’s crowing achievements!
Another fair-feathered family affair was homing pigeons. Alvin was a member of the Platte Valley Racing club. He had friends coast to coast who were avid pigeon racers. The Benders hosted pigeon clubs from other states providing a central gathering place for fans and birds alike. Sons Herb and Ron and grandson Chad continued with the family pastime by becoming involved in the racing club as well.
Beagles were a constant in Alvin’s life, having them as pets, hunting partners and eventually raising them for others to enjoy.
Early in their marriage the Benders danced in a square dancing club and later were part of a local 500 club.
Bones loved to play cards with friends, dominoes with family, Aggravation with siblings and openly voiced his thoughts about everyone’s playing ability. He loved fishing with his buddies and telling fishing stories afterward. He had a sharp wit; perfect for telling tall tales and rapid-fire jokes.
Alvin was a member of the Humphrey American Legion, and was active in serving deceased veterans by performing the three-volley salute during their funerals. He was active as a member of the Honor Guard for annual Memorial Day services for Humphrey and the surrounding communities.
Bones and Boots were lifelong members of Holy Family Church, serving in various capacities throughout the years.
Bones truly enjoyed farm life and was the sole fire fighter when there was a kitchen fire in 2014, saving the farmhouse from being consumed.
Alvin is survived by his children and their spouses, Bonnie Hoffmeister and husband John; Jack and Traci Bender; Glen Bender and Deb Rojas; Ron and Lori Bender; JoAnn Jones and husband Jeff; Annette (Herb) Bender; and Butch Osten. Fourteen grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Boots, their son Herb, and his siblings Vernon (Bud) Bender, Harold (Jake) Bender, Ethel Uchtman and Marian Lloyd and their spouses.
Alvin has lived at Countryside Home for the past four years and maintained a clear mind up to his passing.
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