- Date Of Birth: December 25, 1948
- Date Of Death: June 14, 2020
- State: Michigan
Charles Richard Bender, age 71, passed away at home under hospice care on June 14, 2020 surrounded by his lovely family. He was born December 25, 1948 in Sturgis, Michigan to the late Dennis Bender and Virginia (Bricker) Bender. Charles was raised in Burr Oak, Michigan and graduated from Burr Oak High School. He then attended Glenn Oaks Community College and he received his associates degree in 1969. Charles continued his education at Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1971.
Charles married Darlene Marie (Pierson) Bender on June 12, 1971 in Constantine, Michigan and they shared 49 years of marriage.
Charles worked since 1975 appraising real estate focusing on major agricultural properties. Charles worked for Federal Land Bank Associations in Michigan and rose to the level of Branch Manager. In 1985, Charles became the Vice President of Branch Operations for Farm Credit Services of Southwestern Michigan. In 1988, Charles formed his own business with his wife Darlene and worked as a general certified appraiser in Michigan and Indiana for over the last three decades until he retired in December 2019. Charles passion was helping family farmers and he took great pride in talking to, listening to and assisting the farmers throughout the years.
Charles was lifelong fan of the University of Michigan, especially their athletics. He enjoyed attending football games at The Big House and hockey games at Yost Ice Arena. One of his greatest enjoyment was meeting Bo Schembechler and Red Berenson.
Charles is survived by wife, Darlene; his son Anthony Bender and wife April of Plainwell, Michigan, their children Chloe (fiancé, Jonny Rozela) and Brody; and his son Bradley Bender and wife Diane of Ankeny, Iowa, and their children Hannah, Katelynn, and Charlee. Charles was proceeded in death by his parents, Dennis and Virginia Bender; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Ld and Glema Pierson; and his brother-in-law Larry Pierson.
