Carl H. Bender

LANCASTER—Carl H. Bender, 83, of Lancaster, passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at his home in Lancaster, surrounded by family. He was born on Nov. 2, 1938, to Fred and Alma Bender of Boscobel. Carl graduated as salutatorian from Boscobel High School in 1956, served in the Army, then attended Madison Business College for accounting. He spent many decades working as an auditor for the State of Wisconsin's Department of Revenue.

After his first wife Eva Alcorn Bender died, Carl met Carol Ingebritsen through church and they were married on Feb. 24, 1979, at the Lancaster United Methodist Church. Carl accepted Carol’s five children into his life and was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather for 43 years until his death.
He was a person of great faith, showing his commitment by serving his community, his family, and his church in many ways without seeking recognition. Carl was a member of the Odd Fellows Mississippi Valley Lodge #86 for 50 years, joining the lodge in February 1971. He became Noble Grand of the local lodge in 1976 and was financial secretary and treasurer from 1976 until his health didn’t allow him to do so anymore late in 2021. He held an appointed position as District Deputy Grand Master for 13 years and was also a Past Grand Chaplain. Carl was a board member of the Heartside Apartments, owned by the Odd Fellows, in Platteville since the building was built, serving as secretary/treasurer again until he was unable to continue in the fall of 2021.

Carl served as treasurer of the Lancaster United Methodist Church board for nearly 50 years and was a member of the Richard Burns American Legion Post 109.

Carl enjoyed playing accordion, banjo, guitar, and electric piano, and loved gardening, playing Euchre, bowling and watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in sporting and school events. He was an avid collector of Peanuts memorabilia, particularly Snoopy, and collected comic books, and old-time country/western and polka music that he played on his guitar and accordion. Carl was a stickler for balancing every book for the many different organizations he chose to serve, but what he loved most was to follow and support the family he’s been part of since 1979.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, children Jeff (Barb) Ingebritsen of Mt. Horeb, Sonja (Keevin) Williams of Cassville, John (Jen) Ingebritsen of Lancaster; Susan (Rod) Koeller of Lancaster, and Joel (Carrie) Ingebritsen of Lancaster; brothers in-law David Knoke of Lancaster, Greg Knoke of New Glarus, sister in-law Laura Molumby of Madison; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George and sister in-law Iona, first wife Eva, and a nephew Gary Bender as well as three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Funeral services with military honors will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m., also at the church, with Pastor David Kim officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a Carl H. Bender Memorial fund has been established.