Carl Fredrick Bender

Carl Fredrick Bender, age 69 of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at home. He was born on July 26, 1950 in Muskegon, MI to the late Bert Bender and Audrey Fiesel. Carl married Carla Neubauer on June 13, 1981 in Grosse Point, MI.

He graduated from Mona Shores High School in 1968 where he was active on the debate team. Carl continued debate at Central Michigan University, but left to begin an exemplary career in food service, including the Embers Restaurant, Win Schuler’s, and the Original Pancake House in Grosse Pointe. As a successful management professional for the contract food service companies Saga Corporation, Marriott, and Aramark, he ran accounts in Indianapolis; Rochester, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; New York City; and finally, West Michigan.

Most recently, Carl founded Links Bike Repair and Sharpening Service in Allendale. A great aficionado of the outdoors, Carl spent time fishing, camping, golfing, and enjoying the water, particularly the Pine River, the Crooked Lake cabin, and his favorite, Lake Michigan. Not surprisingly, he liked to cook and barbeque. Over the years, Carl loved taking his dogs (Fred, Duncan, Zoe, and most recently, Max) on outdoor adventures.

Carl is survived by the mother of his children, Carla; daughters, Britt (Allen) Crowe and Angelique Bender; son, George Bender; sister, Joyce (Joel) Vugteveen; brother, Lewis (Mary) Bender; and nieces and nephews: Benjamin Bender, Keli Norris, and Damian Bullis.

A Memorial Service for Carl will be held at a later date to be announced.

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