Samuel "Sam" Bender

Samuel “Sam” Bender passed away quietly in the early hours of Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Francis Home after a long, difficult battle with Alzheimer’s. He had been a resident there since January 8th.

Sam was born in a farmhouse near Eden, WI on April 6, 1937 – the son of Alexander and Anna (Ramig) Bender. He was a member of the 1956 Goodrich High School class. He served 3 years in the US Army, stationed in Germany. He married Sharon Huck at St Mary’s Church in Fond du Lac in 1960.

He served a plumbing apprenticeship with JF Ahern Co. In 1969 he formed Bender Plumbing Inc. He served two terms as the president of the East Central Wisconsin Plumbing & Heating Contractors Association. He was a member of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 400. Sam was very athletic and was a member of numerous softball, golf, and bowling leagues. His favorite hobbies were building and remodeling the family’s homes. He also enjoyed building the perfect brandy old fashioned sweet.

Above all, the job he was most proud of was being a doting father to his 5 girls.

Sam is survived by Sharon, his wife of 66 years and daughters: Christine (Steven) Walker, Tammy (Bryan) Christopherson, Sue (Tim) Huettl, Stephanie (Tim) Krupp and Tracy Chartier. Grandchildren: Ashley (Wes) Strey, Dustin Christopherson, Alex and Sam (Shandra) Huettl, Morgan, Jordan and William Krupp, Lauren and Sarah Chartier. Three great grandsons Edwin (EJ), Elliot, and Quentin Strey. His Godchild, Shannon Kemnitz and former son-in-law, Brian Chartier. As well as his very spoiled cat - Dickens. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary (Michael) Reinsch and brother-in-law, Paul Huck and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in laws, Orval and Irma Huck; brothers: Fred (Lorraine), Robert, Bud (Ruth), Al (Sandy), Herman (WWII), and Ben; sisters: Marie, Ella (Rolland), Ruth, Dorothy (Frank) and Betty; sisters in law: Janet (Richard) Roeber, Kathryn Huck and brother-in-law David (Doris) Huck; son-in-law, Michael Bastian.

The family will greet friends and relatives from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way in Fond du Lac. Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Internment will take place on Monday, March 9th, 2026, in Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park at 10:00 AM.

The family would like to thank the staff of St Francis Home and SSM Hospice who were wonderful to Sam in his final journey.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com