Patrick J. Bender

Patrick Bender, age 44 of Lincoln, Nebraska and formerly of St. Helena, Nebraska died at his residence on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church in St. Helena, Nebraska with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will be at Immaculate Conception cemetery in rural St. Helena. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, at church, from 6-8:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

You may watch a livestream of the funeral at www.facebook.com/WintzRay/live 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Eric Wieseler, Russ Wiepen, Ryan Higgins, Craig Jackson, Brett Noecker, Curt Suing, Curt Becker, the Brothers of International Electrical Workers Local 265, and all his cousins.

Patrick was born on March 24, 1980 in Yankton, SD to Loren and Ruth Ann (Bonertz) Bender.  Patrick attended East Catholic Elementary and graduated from Wynot Public High School in 1998. He then trained to be an electrician at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska. Upon graduation in 2000, Patrick went to work for Kaneb Pipe Company, and Gene's Electric while getting his journeyman's card. He then went on to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 265), which he was very proud of. His first union job was at Pinnacle Bank Arena. He also worked at building several data centers including Google and Facebook, along with many other projects.

Patrick was an avid Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Twins fan, attending several games. He was also a fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and he was especially fond of Husker tailgating. He loved to travel. From visiting Germany during Oktoberfest, to enjoying a cruise in Alaska, a few trips to Vegas, and car trips with family while on vacations.

He founded the St. Helena Fantasy Football League. Patrick also started a pro football 33 league enjoyed by many. He enjoyed family time, and was very proud of his nieces and nephew. Patrick hosted the family Christmas gathering in June up in the Black Hills and made sure every detail was covered.

Patrick is survived by his parents, Loren & Ruth - St. Helena, a sister Lynn Bender of Grand Island, two brothers Mark (Heather) Bender of Lincoln, Karl (Lindy) Bender of Omaha; nieces Elizabeth, Katie, Serena, nephew Sam; aunts & uncles Roger (Mary Jo) Bonertz of St. Helena, Jane Thelen of Fordyce, Robert Suing of Crofton, Norma Bender of Yankton, SD

He was preceded in death by: Grandparents: Julius and Hilaria Bender - Ted and Cordula Bonertz uncles Charles (Alberta) Bender, Robert Bender, Doug Thelen; and aunt Patricia Suing.