Dennis Joseph Bender

Dennis Joseph Bender, age 73, of DeTour, Michigan, passed away on February 19, 2026, at his home. He was born on September 27, 1952, in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, to Edwin Frederick and Delores Marie (Pontbriand) Bender. Dennis grew up in Goetzville, Michigan, graduating from Detour High School with the class of 1970. In October of 1976 he married his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Cynthia Fountain. After high school, he began working for Michigan Limestone Operations in Cedarville Michigan, a job that allowed him and Cyndi to raise their two children in the same communities they grew up in. He retired 32 years later in 2004. Eventually he found himself wanting to work again, which he did for another eight years at the Drummond Dolomite Quarry before finally settling into full retirement. In his younger years, Dennis loved riding motorcycles, playing the guitar in a band with friends, golfing, playing softball where he hit the first home run in the new Raber field, building and working on cars, and woodworking, often making unique gifts for his grandchildren. Dennis enjoyed baseball, the Detroit Tigers, and always got a kick out of watching his grandkids play the game. Dennis was a proud supporter of AMVETS and a member of the Detour Presbyterian Church. Dennis is survived by his children, Nicole Walker (Josh) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Levi (Brittney) Bender of Pickford, Michigan: mother, Delores Bender of Sault Ste. Marie; siblings, Jeanne (Bill) Adams of Utah, Debbie Forgrave of Brimley, Michigan, Linda (Red) Adams of DeTour, and Cheryl (Steve) Kutzley from Morencie, Michigan; grandchildren, Justice Mason, Jaden Mason, Mikayla Walker, Clayton Walker, Macie Bender, and Maxson Bender; and many nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Cyndi; father, Edwin Bender; and brother-in-law, John Forgrave. Funeral services will be held at the Detour Presbyterian Church, and he will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in the spring of 2026. Memorial Contributions in Dennis`s honor may be sent to AMVETS Dept of Michigan, 106 Thorpe Ave. Roscommon, MI 48653 or to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault, Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Family Life Funeral Homes –Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.

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Dennis Joseph Bender

September 27, 1952 - February 19, 2026