Richard Dean Bender, 69

Richard “Rick” Dean Bender died at home on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. He was born in Hampton, Iowa, on April 30, 1953, to Robert and Delores Bender. 

He graduated from Drake University, in Des Moines, Iowa, with bachelor's degrees in church music and music education in 1976. Throughout his career, Rick served as Director of Music for Trinity Lutheran in Mason City, Iowa, Central Lutheran, St. Benedict’s Catholic and Gloria Dei Lutheran churches in Anchorage, Alaska. He was also the Grand Secretary for the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Alaska. 

Rick, and his wife Linda, were charter members of the Chamber Singers of Alaska. He had the privilege of conducting one of the December concerts for the Chamber Singers. Rick also sang with the Anchorage Opera. 

After retirement, Rick enjoyed time at home with his family and dogs. He was always available to help his family and never missed a performance of Linda’s school students or Katie’s different activities. He could always be found cheering Linda and Katie along the route of the Alaska Run for Women. His friends and family will remember him for his incredibly long stories and horrible puns. 

Rick is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Katie (Erik Anderson), grandson Robert Anderson, sister Mary Ann, numerous cousins, dear friends John and Nancy Woodin and his canine buddy Hunter. He is preceded in death by his father and mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Food Bank of Alaska. A funeral service was held at Central Lutheran Church in Anchorage on March 25, 2022.  There will be a brief service of remembrance for Rick following his mother’s service at Hampton United Methodist Church on July 9 at 1:30.

Counsell Woodley Funeral Home of Hampton is assisting the Bender family.

www.counsellwoodley.com

641-456-3232