Edward Carl Bender, 86, Lincoln, joined his wife Rita in heaven on September 26, 2016. Born in Madison, Nebraska to Carl and Meryl (Carr) Bender on November 12, 1929. He soon moved to the family farm at Eagle where he lived until 1971. Ed graduated from Eagle High School, followed by Doane College and the University of Nebraska as a vocal performance major until the Korean War and his father’s ill health cut short his singing career. He married Rita Joan Trumble on October 11, 1952. He farmed and worked in the ag industry most of his life. Ed had a beautiful voice which he used throughout his life, most recently at the Cotner Center where he lived.
He is survived by his three daughters, Barbara (Dan) Capalite, Papillion, Mary Catharine (Barry) Colacurci, Boerne, TX, Patricia Gilbert, Columbus; grandchildren, Tracy, Danielle, Jeremy and Gianna and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Rita, his parents, brother Jim, and son-in-law, John Gilbert.
Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. Thursday (9-29-16) Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street. Interment 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Eagle Cemetery.
No visitation/cremation
Memorials to Gianna Gilbert’s education fund c/o American Exchange Bank, 151 N. 4th Street, Elmwood, NE 68349.