Elizabeth Bender, 91, of Humphrey, Nebraska, died Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Columbus Community Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 10:00 AM, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey with Fr. Eric Olsen celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will continue on Friday at 9:00 AM also at the church. Memorials are suggested as those of the donor or family choice. Mask and hand sanitizer will be made available for visitors to use.

Liz was born June 30, 1930, in Platte County, Nebraska, to Joe and Regina (Dusel) Dohmen. She attended grade school at St. Bernard, Nebraska. Liz boarded in Humphrey and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1948. On February 15, 1950, Liz was united in marriage to Melvin Bender at St. Bernard Catholic Church. They welcomed three children - Linda, Jim, and Michael. Over the 91 years of her life in Humphrey, Liz enjoyed meeting and making many new friends. She worked for Engel's Bakery and Klub 81 in Humphrey, the Columbus Horse Races, and was a social worker for numerous years at Countryside Home in Madison, Nebraska. She was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Humphrey and the Christian Mothers.

Liz resided on the same farm since her marriage to Melvin. She was a devoted wife and mother. She will be remembered for her delicious fried chicken, chocolate chip cookies, spaghetti and doughnuts. Liz treasured the many wonderful memories of family gatherings, Nebraska football games, and playing Sheephead. Most of all, Liz loved her children and their children - great and grand.

Liz is survived by:
Daughter - Linda (Galyn) Moeller of Columbus, NE
Son - Jim Bender of Humphrey, NE
Son - Michael (Nancy) Bender of Humphrey, NE
Six Grandchildren
10 Great Grandchildren
Sister - Patty (Kenny) Brandl of Humphrey, NE
Sisters-in-law - Sharon Dohmen of Madison, NE; Pat Dohmen of Humphrey, NE; Jane Dohmen of Monroe, NE; and MaryAnn Bender of Humphrey, NE
Brother-in-law - Tom Wemhoff of Madison, NE
Many Nieces and nephews

Liz was preceded in death by:
Parents - Joe and Regina Dohmen
Husband - Melvin Bender
Brothers - Mike, Ferd, Vince and Erv Dohmen
Sisters - Rosalia Werner, Dolores Zach, and Ann Chandler

Service Folder Information
"You can shed tears that she is gone,
Or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray
That she'll come back, or you can open your eyes
And see that she has left.

Your heart can be empty
Because you can't see her,
Or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn back on tomorrow
And live yesterday,
Or you can be happy
For tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her
And only that she is gone,
Or you can cherish her memory
And let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
Be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she'd want –

Smile, open your eyes, love and go on!"

Author Unknown





In Loving Memory Of

Elizabeth Bender

Born
Monday, June 30, 1930
Platte County, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Monday, December 27, 2021
Columbus, Nebraska

Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, December 31, 2021 10:00 AM
St. Francis Catholic Church
Humphrey, Nebraska

Celebrant
Fr. Eric Olsen

Music
Pam Pfeifer – Organist
Jill Werner – Cantor

Casket Bearers
Mark Moeller
Ross Bender
Melissa Hall
Kristen Daaboul
Mikaela Moeller
Jenna Bender
Adam Hall
Tony Daaboul

Interment
St. Francis Catholic Cemetery
Humphrey, Nebraska