Carl L. Bender, Jr., age 88 of Dalton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Visitation for Carl will take place on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at St. John's Lutheran Church - Salemville (N483 Cty Rd M, Cambria) from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Kurt Hagen officiating. Burial will follow at Salemville Cemetery.

Carl "Jr" was born in Salemville on May 19, 1934, the son of Florence (Plagenz) and Carl Bender, Sr.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Salemville.  He attended a one room school before graduating from Cambria High School in 1952. On October 5, 1957, he was united in marriage to his wife, Carroll Bauman at Zion Lutheran Church in Kingston. Together they raised 4 beautiful daughters. Jr spent most of his life farming with his brother, Virgil. He was willing to drive tractor for anyone who needed him, first for his brother-in-law, Don and later for his nephew, Gale. Jr loved watching the birds, fishing, bowling, and pool, and in his earlier years, playing softball, riding motorcycles and going snowmobiling. He also loved playing cards, but only if he could win! Jr was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club for over 30 years.

Jr is survived by his wife, Carroll Bender of Dalton; daughters, Joann Burr of Ripon, Judy (Fred Waterhouse) Brooks of Ripon, Joyce (Daniel) Kohn of Marquette, and Jerri Bender of Ripon; 7 grandchildren, Jamie (Eric) Taylor, Casey (Jamie) Yuris, Haley Schackow, Brad (Nikki) Brooks, Justin (Cassie) Kohn, Danielle (Matt) Nogalski, and Jenna Bender; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Virgil (Judy) Bender; brother-in-law, Don (Jan) Bauman; sister-in-law, Martha Bauman; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Jahnke; brother-in-law, Verlyn Jahnke; nephew, David Bender; sister-in-law, Jeanne Bender; brother-in-law, Keith Bauman; and other relatives.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family.