Marlin D. Bender

Marlin D. Bender, 72, of Dakota Dunes, peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with leukemia on Thursday, May 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation with family present is Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Funeral Home at 3220 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City.  Private family burial will be at Elk Point Cemetery.

Marlin was born on July 23, 1951, in Yankton, SD, the son of Leonard "Sam" and Genevieve (Maly) Bender.   He graduated from Newcastle, NE High School.  Marlin married Sherry Keller on September 25, 1971, in Newcastle.

Marlin started working for IPS now Midamerican Energy in 1977 and retired after 39 years.

If you knew Marlin, you knew how particular he was about his truck, yard and everything he touched. You didn't have to worry about what he was thinking, he came out and told you.

He enjoyed whiskey, with good friends and sometimes the whiskey would get too good.

Marlin loved living on the acreage, especially gardening. He enjoyed raising tomatoes, onions and hot peppers. He liked to share his harvest. You quickly learned to never trust a pepper from his garden that he claimed wasn't hot.

Marlin and Sherry always looked forward to the annual Newcastle horse trail ride and yearly trips to the Black Hills to ride their quarter horses with friends. In later years the horses were traded in for a Harley trike.

When his children were younger, he enjoyed helping them with their 4-H projects and participating in the Woodbury County Fair. 

Marlin's greatest joy came from spending time with those he held dear. He adored his grandsons, Gabe and Marik, and cherished moments spent with his family and friends. 

Marlin is survived by his loving wife Sherry Bender; children Jess (Katie) Bender of Winterset, IA, and Kate (Mike) Torevell of Sioux City; grandchildren Gabe and Marik; brothers Richard (Marilyn) Bender, Gary (Paula) Bender, Lyle (Ivette) Bender, and Leon (Arlene) Bender; sister-in-law Janet (Scott) Freeman.

He is preceded in death by his parents Sam and Genevieve Bender; infant sister Genevieve; as well as parents-in-law Elman and Evelyn Keller. 

Marlin leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and joyful memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.