Judith Charlotte Bender

Judith Charlotte Bender was called to her eternal home with her Savior on December 10, 2024, at age 91.

She, with her twin brother James, was Born May 13, 1933, in Bay City, Michigan to Elmer and Charlotte (Schroeder) Berger and became a child of God through Christian Baptism on June 11, 1933. After graduating from Bay City High School (Michigan) she attended the University of Michigan where she graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing degree in May of 1955. She remained a dedicated fan of the Michigan Wolverines throughout her entire life, even influencing many family and extended family members to cheer ‘Go Blue.’ She served her community as a nurse for 45 years.

Judy married Bruce E. Bender on August 13, 1960, at St. John’s Lutheran church in Bay City Michigan. Together, they had three children: Brett, Kim and Melissa. After retirement in 2000, she and Bruce moved to Fond du Lac where they have lived for the past 24 years. She was an active member of Faith Ev. Lutheran Church.

Even after retirement, Judy continued to serve others through her years of volunteering for the American Red Cross, visiting many church shut-ins who became her friends, being a reading grandma at Faith Lutheran School, and involvement in many church groups including Parish Nurses and Ladies of Faith.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be remembered for her unyielding positivity, generosity, compassion for others and undeniably loving spirit. Despite her many earthly accomplishments, her greatest legacy will be that she lived her life loving her Savior, sharing the saving truths of His word with her family, friends and coworkers throughout her lifetime.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings. She is survived by her husband Bruce, three children: Brett (Elisabeth) Bender, Kim (Donald) Kerr, Melissa (Chris) Carpenter, seven grandchildren: Andrew Bender, Christina (Austin) Larger, Miriam (Jonny) Thede, Kyle (Diana) Kerr, Britt (John) Lynch, Marta (Nathan) Pape, and Kaitlyn Carpenter, six great-grandchildren: Harry and George Kerr, Ava Ellis and Isla Lynch, and Blake Pape; sister-in-law, Ilene Berger; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 12 noon at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church, 55 Prairie Road, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. The funeral service will follow the visitation at church at 12 noon. Cremation has taken place.

“I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see him with my own eyes- I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19: 25-27

Memorials may be directed in Judy’s name to Faith Ev. Lutheran Church.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com