MCCONNELL - Arlen M. Bender, age 80, passed away on Thursday November 4, 2010. He was bornOn February 14, 1930 in Cedarville to Kenneth and Mildred (Shippy) Bender. He married Ardella Daughenbaugh in 1948. He married Hanna I. Holtke on November 24, 1960 in El Paso,TX. He was a member of McConnell American Legion Post # 1225. Arlen faithfully served in the United States army for 12 years. He was stationed in Germany and France. He hauled milk for Ulan Schultz and worked for Micro Switch and Newell for a short time. Arlen was a self employed carpenter in McConnell until he retired in 1990.He enjoyed fishing, baseball, Nascar, avid movie watcher, listening to Country music and carpentry.

Arlen is survived by his wife Hanna of McConnell, IL; 6 Children; Westley (Wanda) Bender of Lena, IL, Michael (Cindy) Bender of Freeport, IL, Diane (Stephen) Meyers of Freeport, IL, Terry Bender of McFarland, WI, Connie (Gary) Fish of Warroad, MN, and Wendy Bender Farmer of Lena, IL. Many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren. 3 Stepchildren; Jurgen (Marina) Holtke of Germany; Carola (Doug) Kehler of McConnell, IL and Peter Holtke of Monroe, WI. 2 Sisters; Elaine Ferguson of Pearl City, IL and Nancy (Terry) Gagnon of Cedarville, IL. His first wife; Ardella of Freeport, IL.

He was preceded by; parents, 2 nieces; Cheryl Hockman and Kathy Turner, 1 brother- in- law; Raymond Ferguson

Funeral services will be on Tuesday November 9, 2010 at the Grace Free Methodist Church in McConnell at 2:00 PM.

Visitation is from Noon until time of service on Tuesday.

Officiating will be Lyle Babcock.

Burial will be at Cedarville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.