Gerhardt Bender

Gerhardt "Gutch" Bender, age 91, of Plymouth, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017, at Atrium Post Acute Care of Plymouth. He was born in Sheboygan on February 27, 1926 a son of the late Albert and Martha (Werthmann) Bender. Gerhardt attended Pigeon River Grade School and Howards Grove Grade School and High School. He served in the US Army Air Corps following World War II. Gerhardt was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, since he was 10 years old. Ruth Paul and Gerhardt Bender were united in marriage on April 27, 1949 at Saron Church. The couple farmed on the Bender Homestead in the Town of Herman, retiring and moving to Howards Grove in 1994. Ruth and Gerhardt were active in many card clubs and enjoyed dancing and spending time with family and friends. She preceded him in death on March 4, 2000.

In addition to his career in farming, Gerhardt worked as a carpenter with his brothers-in-law, Fritz and Wally and with his brother, Jim. He was also employed by the Tecumseh Company in New Holstein and Sheboygan Falls for many years; and later worked at the Millersville Box Company, retiring at the age of 83. Gutch was very handy. He crafted many items from wood and wrought iron including farm equipment, a life-size draft horse and milk wagon, a windmill, hall trees and banana trees just to name a few. He was quite proud of his creations.

Surviving Gerhardt are his son, Jeffrey (Mary) of Plymouth; a daughter, Darlene (Jerome) Lefeber of Fond du Lac; a son-in-law, Billy Kuhfuss of Markesan, eight grandchildren; Amy (Allen) Ries, Peter (Loni) Lefeber, Sara (Tim) Roltgen, Brian (Kathy) Lefeber, Daniel (Sara) Kuhfuss, Patrick (Kelly) Kuhfuss, Stacy Bender and Josh (Angela) Bender; 17 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren and 1 step-great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Robert Bender of Pembine and Richard Bender of Plymouth; two sisters-in-law, Connie Bender of Newton and Rosie Bender of Kiel. Gerhardt is also survived by his special friend, Arlyle Bunge, of Sheboygan.

In addition to his wife and his parents, Gerhardt was also preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Kuhfuss; two brothers, Ralph and James; and a sister, Gladys Buechel.

A funeral service will be conducted for Gerhardt on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 12:30 PM at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Plymouth (Town of Herman). Reverend Laura Yurs, pastor, will officiate. Cremation will follow the service at Westview with entombment at the Gardens of Peace Mausoleum. Family and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Gerhardt Bender.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Atrium Post Acute Care and Southern Care Hospice; Rev. Laura Yurs; and Dale & Judi Miller for the kindness and care given to Gerhardt during his final days.

Memorial Contribution