Phillip Melvin Bender

Phillip Bender, 83, of Loves Park, IL died peacefully at his  home with family around him on July 15, 2024. He was born  on May 13, 1941, in Madison, Wi to Donald and Grace (Root)  Bender. Phil graduated from Belvidere High School in 1960 where he enjoyed playing football and became a lifelong die  hard Bears fan. He served in the US Army from 1966 to 1968,  stationed in Korea, followed by the reserves. Phil was  married to the love of his life Kathleen in December 1989 in  Rockton, IL. Over the years he was employed by Sundstrand,  Dyna Corp and Bourn and Koch. He loved painting cars in his  younger years. He also enjoyed taking long drives with his  wife. Some of his favorite times were spent fishing and  relaxing in Wisconsin and Savannah, IL, most always with 

his loving brothers. Phil was loved and survived by his sister  Donna (Stanley) Klein, brothers John (Lois) and Thomas  (MaryAnn) Bender, his children Sandy Gustafson, Susan  (Tim) Greer and Phil (Tina) Bender, step-children Christine  Zaccanti and Steve (Brandie) Johnson, grandchildren Randi  Witte, Benjamin (Ashley) and Joseph Gustafson, Katie and  Matthew Greer, Nicholas Bender, Nathan Reuber, Alex,  Samantha, Benjamin and Brady Johnson and Samuel  Zaccanti, great grandchildren, Bailey, Krista and Mason,  numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his  loving wife Kathleen on 6/27/2024, his parents Donald and  Grace Bender, brothers Donald, Ronald and Richard Bender,  sister-in-law Mary Lou Bender, stepson Erick Johnson, son in- law Gary Gustafson and grandson Andrew Gustafson.  The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to  the dedicated people at Mercyhealth Hospice, with special  thanks to Jessica, Renee, Rei, Shelly & Cassi for all their help  and kindness. Please join the family for the service and  burial to be held on August 10th at 11am at Highland Garden  of Memories located at 9800 Illinois Route 76, Belvidere  followed by a Celebration of Life at the VFW located at 1310  W. Lincoln Ave, Belvidere, IL. 

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