Loran Lee Bender was born Oct. 7, 1950, in Washington, the son of Neil H. and Velma (Zook) Bender. He attended Mid-Prairie High School graduating with the class of 1968. Loran joined the United States Army in 1968, serving in the Vietnam War.
Loran was united in marriage to Monica LaGrange in 1974, and they were blessed with two children, they later divorced. He worked at Amana Refrigeration and in the sheet metal industry.
Loran was a true outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed walking through the timber, mushroom hunting, and fishing. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps and going for car rides.
Loran passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, at the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, at the age of 71.
He is survived by his son: Jeremy Bender of Cedar Rapids; daughter: Lisa Bender of Portland, Ore.; three brothers: Doug Bender of Missouri, Carl (Pam) Bender of Wellman, Mel (Jan) Bender of Kalona; one sister: Pat Bender of Iowa City; and three grandchildren: Cage, Abigail, and Kiera.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Neil and Velma Bender.
A celebration of life service was held Monday, August 15, 2022, at Powell Funeral Home in Wellman. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
