Oct. 21, 1932 - Dec. 3, 2009

ELKHART -- Milo Donald "Mike" Bender, 77, of Elkhart, died Thursday morning, Dec. 3, 2009, in Elkhart after a brief illness.

He was born on Oct. 21, 1932, in Elkhart to the late Milo T. and Wanda J. (Mercer) Bender. On July 18, 1964, he married Marie Frances Bertch in South Bend.

Surviving are his wife, Marie F. Bender of Elkhart; sons John (Becky) Bender, Terry Bender and Steven Bertch, all of Elkhart; daughters Pam Bertch-Robinson of Elkhart and Susan (Bob) Bertch-Sowers of Stevensville, Mich.; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren survive, as well as sisters Betty Jo (Richard) Brown and Jean Merry; his brothers, Thomas E. (Anna Jane) Bender and Charles (Karen) Bender, all of Elkhart; and one sister-in-law, Arlene Cox of Edwardsburg, Mich.

Mike was preceded in death by one brother, Bill Cox, and one sister, Judith Cox.

Mike was the owner/operator of Air Equipment Sales and Service in Elkhart for many years. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the DAV Chapter 19 and a life member of the American Legion. Mike was also a 32nd degree Mason with Kane Lodge 183 F & AM and South Bend Valley of Scottish Rite. He also was a member of the Evening Optimist Club, Elkhart Moose Lodge 599 and the FOP.

Mike enjoyed traveling, bowling and eating at different restaurants throughout his travels.

Visitation will take place Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Friends also may call for one hour prior to the 1:30 p.m. funeral service on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at the funeral home. Pastor Mo Vincic will officiate. Private family burial will follow in Rice Cemetery. A Masonic memorial service will conclude the evening at 6 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army, 300 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516.

To share a memory of Mike or to send the families a condolence please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.