Rev. Frank Bender entered the
presence
of his savior, Jesus Christ, and was reunited with his beloved wife Erma, on July 10, 2017.
Frank was born on August 23, 1934 in Zenith, Washington. He accepted Christ as his savior when he was 11 years old at Silver Lake Camp. Frank married Erma in 1955 and enjoyed more than 60 years of life together. In 1959, Frank graduated from Northwest University with a degree in Theology, and a minor in music and history.
The Bender family (now including five
children
) moved to Northern New England in 1960, where they pastored churches in New Hampshire and Vermont until 1970. Frank became an ordained Assemblies of God minister in 1963 and served as a presbyter for the Northern New England District of the Assemblies of God.
The family returned to Seattle in 1970, to obtain needed education and services for their three youngest children, who were each born with disabilities. Frank continued working in various jobs and stayed actively involved at Shoreline Community Church for nearly fifty years.
The Special Olympics was near and dear to Frank's heart and he volunteered with the organization from 1971-2014. He formed an officials group to referee basketball games and he refereed at the International Special Olympics in 1983 and 1987. One year he was honored as Volunteer of the Year!
Frank enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests including eagles, ships, sports, hiking, running, music, traveling, reading and collecting coins. Frank was deeply loved and respected by all and will be greatly missed.
We are thankful for both John and Frank's years of faithful service and ask you to unite in prayer for the Burke and Bender families.
Sincerely,
The Northwest Ministry Network
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