John Paul Bender

John Paul Bender of Caro, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro. John was born July 17, 1938 in Caro, the son of the late Otto & Frances Bender. He was united in marriage with Roberta Lee Cross, and she survives. John learned hard work from an early age when he would harvest cherries from the family orchard and sell them with his parents. He also spent years working at a poultry plant, at his uncle’s dairy farm, delivering milk, and at the canning factory in Caro. He spent the majority of his working years with General Cable in Cass City in production, retiring due to disability. John was happiest when he was with his family and enjoyed many trips to Mackinaw City, Cedar Point, and Disney World with them. He was also always available for a bus trip to the casino, a visit to the bingo hall, or to the serene Saginaw Bay in winter to fish. His children will remember fondly the time spent with their adventurous dad on the back of his motorcycle as they toured the countryside.

Left to cherish John’s memory are his loving wife, Roberta Bender of Caro; four children and their spouses, John Bender II of Caro, Christine & Antonio Solis of Holland, Robert Bender of Caro, Virginia & Paul Perria of Auburn Hills; one sister and her husband, Loraine & Larry Warner of Owosso; sister-in-law, Cecelia Bender of Caro; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, David Bender in 2018. John’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Tuscola County Medical Care Community for their loving care and compassion during his time at the facility.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro. Private committal will be held at Indianfields Township Cemetery later in the day. John’s family will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Robert Bender, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.