The funeral for Arthur Bender, Wishek, ND will be held Monday, November 22, 2010 at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Wishek, ND. Visitation will be Sunday, November 21, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Wishek, ND. Burial will be at the Wishek City Cemetery.

Art was born November 9, 1922 near Danzig, North Dakota to Fred and Emelia Miller Bender. He grew up on the family farm 12 miles south of Wishek, North Dakota with his family. He married Phyllis Wolf on September 5, 1948, with whom he raised two daughters, Carol Ann and Connie.

Art and Phyllis bought the family farm. They raised Black Angus cattle for many years while farming the land. He became a cattle buyer for others, until 1973. At that time, Art and Phyllis built a home in Wishek. Art became a Vermeer Dealer selling balers. He enjoyed this business, meeting and working with people, for over twenty years.

Phyllis developed cancer and passed away January 30, 1992. Art and Phyllis were married for forty-four years.

Art married Dorothy Nordsletten on February 3, 1996. They settled into Art's home and enjoyed the activities in the Wishek area.

Art had a great love for his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wishek. He loved working for our Lord in many capacities. In the local church he held the position of deacon, and taught Sunday School for 65 years. He served on the Boards of Crystal Springs Camp, the Bismarck Baptist Home, and Steer Inc. He was a Gideon member for many years. As a Steer Inc. Representative he drove many miles throughout North and South Dakota to deliver calves in the spring and return in the fall for the cattle sold for missions throughout the world.

Art joined the Lion's Organization in 1965, where he worked diligently to promote the various Lion's projects. He was a District Governor for Lion's in 1990-1991.

All knew Art Bender loved to tell a good joke and visit with people. He enjoyed playing songs on his organ for the Nursing Home residents.

Arthur died Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the Wishek Home for the Aged. He was 88 years old.

Art is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bender; his daughter, Connie Bender Curlett and husband, Glenn; grandson, Jason Curlett and wife, Heather; great granddaughters, Emily and Holly; grandson, Jonathon Curlett and wife, Melanie; great granddaughter, Jocelyn; grandson, Joshua Curlett; and sister Irene Bender Schauer. Art is also survived by five step-children, Ruth (Dale) Schwartz, Mary (Todd) Bertelson, Daniel (Mary) Nordsletten, Lois (Ric) Soderstrom, and Judy (Doug) Johnson, and 11 step-grandchildren.

Art is preceded in death by wife, Phyllis Wolf Bender; daughter, Carol Ann Bender; parents, Fred and Emilia Bender; in-laws, Fred and Katie Wolf; brother, Walter Bender; sister, Martha Bender Kautz; and infant brother.

Memorials may be sent to any of the organizations that were a vital part of Art's life.

Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Wishek, ND entrusted with arrangements. Sign online guest book and share memories at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com