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Submitted: 7/17/24 • Approved: 7/31/24 • Last Updated: 8/3/24 • R276024-G0-S3
Leo J. Bender
March 3, 1957 - May 2, 2020
Leo J. Bender, 63, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls. Private family services were held.
Leo Junior Bender, son of Leo S. Bender and Violet (Dice) Bender, was born March 3, 1957 in Sioux Falls, SD. His fondest memories were made on his aunt and uncle’s farm near Nunda, SD. Leo met his best friend in grade school and had a lifetime of adventures with him.
Leo enlisted in the U.S. Army and graduated from Honolulu High School while serving. Following his honorable discharge, Leo moved to Savannah, GA where he raised his four children. Leo had many jobs in life, but his greatest job was helping raise his grandkids.
Leo is survived by four children, Katie Howard and her husband, Paul, Sioux Falls, SD, Zachary Bender, Sioux Falls, SD, Rosie Howard and her husband, Trav, Rapid City, SD, Jennifer Cookson Cáceres and her husband, Carlos, Reston, VA; nine grandchildren, Brandin Howard, Mela Howard, Kennedy Howard, Winnie Haukaas, Cici Haukaas, William Haukaas, Penelope Brandis, Mary Cáceres, Laura Cáceres; one great-granddaughter, Mariana Howard; three sisters, Betty Bender, Clearwater, FL , Diane Kingsley and her husband, Gary, Sioux Falls, SD, Carol McCarty and her husband, Jeff, Sioux Falls, SD; three brothers, John Bender and his wife, Vicky, Westminster, CO, Bob Bender and his wife, Deb, Hartford, SD, Ed Bender, Sioux Falls, SD; and many other relatives and friends.
Leo was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Howard; his parents, Leo and Violet Bender; a brother, Jim Bender; a niece, Sherry Palmer; and his best friend, Skip Hollestelle.
Contributed on 7/17/24 by 9katz
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Record #: 276024