Alberta Bender

Alberta Bender, age 84, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after a long, courageous battle with cancer on Monday, May 30, 2022, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Tom Anderson officiating.  The Mass will be live streamed and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay or on Albert's obituary page at www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton.  Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Alberta was born September 23, 1937 in Avon, SD to Harry and Kathryn (Christians) Dyke. Growing up, Alberta attended country and Avon public schools. In 1955, Alberta graduated from Avon High School, Avon, SD. After graduation, Alberta worked as a medical office receptionist/clerk at the Tyndall clinic until 1964.  Alberta married Charles “Charlie” Bender, on April 4, 1964 in Tyndall, SD. To this union, five children were born, Delaine, Sharla, Gale, Chris, and Kevin. Alberta had a commitment to family and service to the community. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and served as a 4H mother and volunteer, den mother for the Cub Scouts, volunteer at the George S. Mickelson Center for the Neurosciences Library, and Natural Resource Conservation Office. Her spirit of service culminated in 2002 with being recognized as volunteer of the year at the George S. Mickelson Center for the Neurosciences. In recognition to their service to Mount Marty University, both her husband Charlie and Alberta were awarded honorary doctorates in 2014. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish from 1964 until 1994 and became a member of the new St. Benedict Catholic Parish upon its inception. Grateful for having shared her life are her children and families; Delaine Bender, Orlando, FL, Sharla (Weir) Alexander, Gainesville, FL, Gale (Denise) Bender, Norfolk, NE, Chris (Andria) Bender, Sioux Falls, SD, and Kevin (Terra) Bender, Yankton, SD as well as grandchildren Skyler (Jen) Bender, Colton Alexander, Chase Alexander, Riley Bender, Jacob Bender, Ariel Bender, Malia Bender, Griffin Bender, Margot Bender, and Gavin Bender; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Alberta was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Kathryn (Christians) Dyke of Avon, SD, twin sisters Marlene Hauk, and Margene Westergaard, and her husband Charles “Charlie” Bender. Alberta’s family will forever appreciate the positive examples she set. She exemplified a spirit of service in her willingness to donate her time and talent. She will be remembered for her selflessness, humor, work ethic, and her commitment to her family and Catholic faith.

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