Date of death: 1/10/2019
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1963
Joseph ôJoeö Hilbert Bender, 82 of Bristow, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2019 at his home in Bristow. Joseph was born May 3, 1936 in Siberia, IN to John Werner & Ella E. (Denu) Bender. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Ann Rickelman on October 5, 1963 at St. Ferdinand Church in Ferdinand. She preceded him in death on April 29, 1985. Joe was a retired Indianapolis Police Officer as Director of Communications and Indianapolis Fire Department as Technical Support. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1958 to 1961. He belonged to the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police and Indianapolis Knights of Columbus. Joe attended St. Jude Catholic Church and was a member of St. Martin of Tours Church in Siberia. He is survived by three sons, Joseph A. Bender of Indianapolis, Patrick D. Bender of Bristow, and Brian S. Bender of Indianapolis; two daughters, Mary Susan Hill and Julie A. Hughey both Indianapolis; three brothers, Werner Jr. (Rosie) Bender of Jasper, John (Phyllis) Bender of St. Meinrad, and David (Brenda) Bender of St. Anthony; two sisters, Elnora (Donald) Harpenau of Chrisney and Ann (Sylvester) Voges of Ferdinand; fifteen grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ann; six brothers, Richard, Edward, Alois, Urban, Louis, and Larry Bender; and two sisters, Irene Egloff and Alvina Flynn.