Lloyd M. Bender

Lloyd M. Bender, 94, of Etna Green, died early Wednesday morning, April 25, 2007, at his home after a ten day illness.   He was born July 28, 1912, in Flushing, Michigan, to Conrad and Elizabeth (Gascho) Bender.  On April 27, 1949, he married Edna M. Swartz.  She survives.   A dairy farmer in the Au Gres, Michigan area, Mr. Bender, had lived in the Goshen area for seven years before moving to Etna Green four months ago.  He was a member of the Riverside Mennonite Church in Au Gres and attended Clinton Frame Mennonite Church in Goshen.   He is survived by his wife, Edna; a daughter, Elaine (Charles Edward) Bragg of Etna Green,; and two sons, Karlan (Linda) Bender of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Darwin Bender of Alger, Michigan; and six grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Bender.   Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 27, and one hour prior to the service at the Riverside Mennonite Church in Au Gres, Michigan.   An 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 28, 2007, funeral service will be held at the Riverside Mennonite Church in Au Gres, Michigan.  Rev. Lyle Swartz and Rev. Gerald Swartz will officiate.   Burial will be in Sims-Whitney Cemetery , Au Gres, Michigan.   Memorial contributions may be made to MCC or Riverside Mennonite Church.