Marian E. Bender, our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, 91 years young, of Lincoln, passed away March 28, 2018. She was born February 21, 1927 in Aurora, Nebraska and graduated valedictorian from Clay Center HS (1945). While she was in HS, she often worked in the office of the superintendent. This sparked her interest in office and business administration. On graduating HS, she worked at the Harvard Army Air Base, then moved to Denver and worked in a dental office.
After earning enough money, she returned to Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln for 2 years, earning her Associate Degree. While working in the office of one of the economics professors, she met Wallace “Wally” N. Bender; they married in 1948. She and Wally moved to Sutton, NE after his graduation and raised sons Doug and Greg there.
When the boys reached high school age, Marian, with the support of her family, returned to the University to finish her BS in Education in 1970. She did her student teaching at East High School in Lincoln. Then, she taught business courses in Sutton HS for one year followed by a 22 year career in business education at Central Community College in Hastings. While working at CCC, she continued her education with night courses and summer sessions, culminating in receiving her Master of Education degree in 1973. She was an inspiration to students and faculty alike, and was a member of many national and state business / vocational education associations.
On retirement in 1993, she and Wally moved to Lincoln where she became an active member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, the Lincoln Area Retired Teachers Assoc. and the Lincoln Striders (a walking group). She enjoyed life in retirement and made many new friends. In 2013, she and Wally decided to move to Eastmont Towers where she was reunited with many of her friends and former colleagues.
A private family internment service will be held at Wyuka Cemetery conducted by Roper and Son’s Funeral Home at a future date.
Please consider a memorial to the Central Community College Foundation, cccneb.edu/foundation/ or to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org in her name.