The Bender's

Rollie and Marcia Bender, my paternal grandparents with David (being held) myself (Barb), Diane and Ron in the summer of 1968.

Rollie Bender was born on a farmstead near Clearfield, IA in 1906. The oldest of his four siblings, Rollie was responsible for carrying for his father's horses and daily chores. During the depression and a senior at ISU in civil engineering, the untimely death of his father called Rollie home to try to save the family farm.

In 1934, Marcia Barber was heartbroken after Sunday afternoon date gave her name up as being "available", to a car load of Clearfield boys looking for girls. Quickly, she opened up the back door and climb upon a young man's lap who introduced himself, as Rollie Bender. They were united in marriage in 1935 and were blessed with three children: Jim (my father), Tom and Terri.

They operated the Bender Furniture and Hardware store until 1952 and entered the funeral service profession until his retirement in 1974. My grandparents deeply loved their beloved grandchildren and allowed them to have the full run of their beloved home.