Richard John Bender

Richard John Bender, 61, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 due to COVID-19 in Kenosha WI.  He was the husband of Beatrice Stich.  They shared 10 years of marriage together.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 15, 1959 to the late Robert and Louise (Aird) Bender, Jr. He grew up in Wood Dale, IL and graduated from Driscoll High School in 1977. He was captain of the Driscoll H.S. football team.

He loved the racetrack and betting on his ponies. I have heard by many he was a great handicapper. He was a construction business owner and was a great tiler; he took pride in his work.

Rick was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  The absence of his large personality will leave a hole in the hearts of many.  We will miss his lively stories, frequent laughter, history knowledge and love of sports. He loved his bears. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren. His absence will be deeply felt by Beth, whom he loved dearly. He was a constant source of encouragement for her to pursue her dreams.  They worked hard alongside each other, both fighting hard for their health and dreams. While his body was not able to survive COVID-19, it is our hope that his hard working, fun seeking, deeply loving attributes can live on through those who loved him and who were loved by him.

Rick is survived by his wife, Beatrice Stich; his children Noah Bender, Jaclyn (Jon) Noto, Alyson Bender, Erica Bender (Frank Juda), and Paul Stich (stepson); his grandchildren, Grayson Noto, Asher Noto, Eliza Noto, Joseph Juda, and Derek Juda; brother, Robert (Maylou) Bender III, his sisters, Joan Down, Janice (Anthony) Palumbo, his sisters-in-law, Mary Bender and Doris Bender; and many loving nieces and nephews. His dogs Tootsie, Leslie Anne, and Thomas Doolie his cat.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers James Bender and Raymond Bender; dear Nancy Bender, his niece Kathryn Bender.