BENDER: On Saturday October 23, 2021, Merlin Christian Bender, peacefully passed on to the presence of his Lord in his 91st year at his son’s home, Kippen, ON. He was born April 19, 1931 at Tavistock, ON to Peter Z. and Lavina (Erb) Bender. Loving husband of Erma (Wagler) Bender whom he married September 10, 1952 and shared their lives together for over 69 years. Loved father and father-in-law of Donna and Harold Good of Listowel, Diane and Dwight Good of Milverton, Tom and Linda Bender of Kippen, Susan and the late Cornelius Harder (2020) of New Hamburg, Joe and the late Elaine (2015) Bender of Burlington, Brad and Sandra Bender of Kippen, Laura Ann and Virgil Horst of Leetonia, OH and John and Carolyn Bender of Lucan. Cherished grandpa of 36 grandchildren, 106 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Isabel Ruby and brother-in-law of Lorraine Bender, Emmalien Lichti, Lydia and Glen Schumm. Remembered by his many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents, brothers and sisters, Howard Bender, Florence and her husband Earl Schlegel, Donald Bender and his wife Louisa, Audrey and her husband Daniel Wagler, and brother-in-law, Vernon Ruby as well 1 granddaughter and 4 great-grandchildren.
Baptized while in his youth he has been a member of the Lakeview Conservative Mennonite Church since 1972. He served the Lord sacrificially, in the offices of minister and bishop here and in the churches in India.
The family wishes to express appreciation for the compassionate care given by Karen, Robert, Krista and the St. Elizabeth staff.
Visitation will be at the Lakeview Conservative Mennonite Church, 73394 Bronson Line, Zurich on Friday October 29, 2021 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held there at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday October 30, 2021; All are welcome to join in the service by calling 226-393-2082 or 226-457-1788. Interment follows at the adjoining cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood. If desired, memorial donations may be directed to the India Lamp & Light Bible Courses.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Doug and Anne McGregor
Our condolences in the loss of Merlin.
Leslie Bender Clark
Dear Auntie Erma and family, I send my deepest sympathies to all of you as you farewell Merlin. I have so many fond memories of visiting the farm in my youth, spending time with Laura & John Mark, and enjoying the broad welcoming smiles from Uncle Merlin. Love, Leslie (Bender Clark, in Auckland, NZ)
AL AND VICKIE HARVEY
Condolences on the loss of Merlin
Al and Vickie Harvey
Evelyn Steckle Vincent
Erma and family
Sincere sympathy in your loss. Merlin is “home” with Jesus. He will be missed by many