Stuart C. Bender

Stuart C. Bender, 67, Hamburg, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026 at his home with his wife, Karen by his side.

He was born August 29, 1958 in Belvidere, IL, son of the late Wayne and Lou (Swail) Bender. On November 1, 1988, he married Karen Holz in Las Vegas and together they enjoyed 37 years of marriage.

Stuart attended Wausau East High School and worked as an over the road truck driver for many years. He loved his acreage, planting trees and growing the land with Karen. He was passionate about growing things and creating artistic pieces from nature.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; one son, Eric Bender; his brother, Stacy (Suzie) Bender of Colorado; eight brothers and sisters in law, Deb (Dennis) Hibray, Sue (Mark) Pohlkamp, Steve Holz, Chris (Larry) Jacques, Theresa Gideon, Kathy (Gordy) Karnopp, David Holz and Gretchen (Todd) Bedore; and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Restlawn Memorial Park at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lily, Kaylee, Mary and Adam with Aspirus at Home Hospice for the wonderful care and support for Stuart.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petesonkraemer.com