Walt was born on April 12, 1929, in Peoria, Illinois to Walter and Mildred Hedden Bender. The family moved to Mason City and he graduated from Mason City High School with the Class of 1947. He served with the United States Army for a brief period and in 1956, he entered the insurance business as an agent. He was co-founder of General Equity Services, which was sold to Old Northwest Insurance Company in 1972. He lived in Minneapolis, Fairfield and Davenport, Iowa. His rewards were great and he loved what he did. He retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1992 and lived there until returning to Iowa in 2000. Even though a 'duffer' he took immense enjoyment playing golf, cribbage or pitch. He sang in church choirs, the Bella Vista Men's Chorus, and the Fairfield little theatre group. In Bella Vista, for one month each year, he was Santa Claus at the Fayetteville Mall. He delighted the children and felt that it was the best thing he had ever done. He dearly loved all of his children and grandchildren, and delighted in their accomplishments. Walt lived a rich life, enjoying everything he did. His light shown brightly and he will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Yeakel Bender of Grinnell; three children, Christine (Steve) Holmlund of San Mateo, CA, Walter Charles Bender and Karyl Ramsey of Battleground, Washington and David Bender and Darcy DuRuz of Eugene, Oregon; three step children, Jane (Tom) Campbell of West Liberty, IA, Stephanie Higgins of Des Moines and John Luciano of Des Moines; 13 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Memorials may be directed to the Drake Library in Grinnell or to PALS and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.