Francis M. Bender, 96, Wakarusa, died at 6:17 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at home.

He was born Nov. 7, 1926. On Jan. 9, 1949, he married Mary Catherine Stutzman, who survives.

He also is survived by three sons, Curtis John (Deb) Bender, New Paris, Phil (Patty) Bender, Fishers, and Steve (Ida) Bender, New Paris; 11 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, is handling arrangements.