Darwin Duane Bender

Standish, Michigan
June 11, 1947 - January 20, 2021

Service Location

Sims Whitney Township Cemetery, Au Gres, Michigan

Services

A graveside ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 22, 2021 at Sims Whitney Township Cemetery, North US 23, Au Gres, Michigan.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com

Obituary Notice

Darwin Duane Bender, age 73, of Standish, Michigan’s Elm House passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan.

Darwin was born June 11, 1947 in West Branch, Michigan to the late Lloyd and Edna (Swartz) Bender. Darwin resided at Jenkins Care Home in Alger, Michigan for numerous years where he was active in attending Both Alger Bible Church and Alger Methodist Church. He was also a longtime participant with Arenac Opportunities and enjoyed bowling. Darwin had a pure spirit and a love of God that was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and caregivers!

Darwin is survived by his brother, Karlan (Linda) Bender of Ann Arbor, Michigan; sister, Elaine (Pat) Borsa of Leesburg, Indiana; nieces and nephews Kati (John) Schmucker, Doug Bragg, Greg Bragg, Lee Bragg, Jacob (Melissa) Bender and Josh Bender; great nieces, Lydia, Hannah and Abby Schmucker and Charlotte Bragg; great nephews, Daniel Bender and Max Bragg; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, caregivers and friends.

A celebration of life is being planned in the summer of 2021. Darwin was laid to rest in Sims Whitney Township Cemetery with his parents on Friday, January 22, 2021. Pastor Lyle Swartz officiated. Online condolences may be offered at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com

Memorials

Arenac Senior Center
131 North Clyde Street
Omer, Michigan 48749

Cemetery

Sims Whitney Township Cemetery, Au Gres, Michigan

Condolences

To your family,
What a flood of fond memories of Darwin and his influence on my life as an older cousin. In childhood days there was no place I would rather visit than the Bender family home and farm. He loved life and his spirit was strong. His limitations were no match for what he was as a person. He's been set free to worship in person the God he loved so much.
See you in heaven Darwin, Love you. Your cousin Lyle
— Lyle Swartz

Darwin will definitely be missed by his teammates on our "A League of Our Own" bowling league. He always had a smile on his face when talking to him. Darwin liked to tease and joke with his friends. I'm glad you were one of my friends!
— Melanie Sobieray

I am so sorry for your loss.
— Janet Dittenber Haas