Clinton F. Bender

Clinton F. Bender, 69 of Kenesaw, Nebraska died after a long battle with cancer, on May 30, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Apfel Funeral Home in Kenesaw. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the Evangelical Free Church in Hastings at 1:00 PM followed by refreshments.  A private interment will be prior to the services. The service will be live streamed and can be found by clicking the link. https://bit.ly/cbender

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences can be sent at www.apfelfuneralhome.com. 

He was born on January 1, 1955 in Hastings, NE to Robert R. Bender and Darlene A. (DeJung) Bender. He grew up in Kenesaw and received his education at Kenesaw Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1973. He farmed his entire life on the family farm and later independently, with a son joining the operation in recent years.  

He was united in marriage to Brenda Johnson on March 7, 1987, in Kearney, NE at the Evangelical Free Church. The couple built a home and spent their life together close to the family farm he grew up on by Kenesaw. 

Clint was dedicated to his family and loved the Kenesaw Community serving on the Township Board, Kenesaw Volunteer Fire Department, and attending Kenesaw sporting events, loving basketball events the most. Community pancake feeds, soup suppers and ice cream socials were always a favorite. In his younger years he enjoyed snow skiing and later in life he looked forward to the company of the coffee crew daily at 9:00 AM sharp. A joy in his life was his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, giving them rides in the tractor and combine; and his father’s Model T during farm visits. Playing cards was always on the table. 

He enjoyed collecting toy tractors, going to auctions, watching Bonanza, Gunsmoke, MASH, and Walker Texas Ranger. He also learned to love (tolerate) his family’s obsession with Star Wars. He was quiet, humble, and kind, but could talk for hours with the right person about the right topic. A frequently requested food favorite was eggs smothered with mini marshmallows. He will be missed by many including grand-dog, Obi, who was his constant companion as his health challenges grew.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda; two sons: Evan (Amber) Bender of Lincoln; Dalton (Helen) Bender of Kenesaw and three grandchildren, Lucas, Lydia and Raelynn; and four siblings: Delbert Bender (Deb King) of Kenesaw, Wesley Bender of Kenesaw, Roberta (Harry) Powell of Loveland, CO and Ruth (Gary) Woolman of Gothenburg.