Michael R. Bender, age 73, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Maple Ridge Care Center in Spooner, WI.

Michael Raven Bender was born March 27, 1950, in Duluth, MN, the son of Melvin Todd and Edna Carlson.

Growing up, Michael attended school in the Spooner area. Michael joined the U.S. Navy on August 28, 1968, and served during the Vietnam War. While in the service he earned the National Defense Service medal. After his time in the service, he worked as a handyman throughout his life doing various jobs to help others. Some of his favorite hobbies were going fishing, boating, hunting, and attending concerts.  He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, ice fishing, and giving people a hard time.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Lynsey Ruscher of Hayward, WI; one granddaughter, Delaney Weber; his siblings, Annette Ford of Spooner, WI, Barb (Clint) Atkinson of Shell Lake, WI, and Todd Todd of Sarona, WI; and several nieces and nephew, Geoffrey Horbus.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Larry Todd and Mark Todd.

A graveside service will be held for Michael at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Sarona. After the graveside service, there will be a celebration of life at the Madge Town Hall from 2:00-6:00. Military honors will be accorded by the Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program.

Wear your best tie dye as it was his favorite.

Last Update: Jun 11, 2023 5:07 pm CDT