Lula G. Bender

Lula G. Bender, 94, a former town of Norrie resident, died Monday September 7, 2015 at the Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. She was born November 10, 1920 in Wittenberg, daughter of the late Robert and Margaret (Bessette) Feavel. On October 29, 1938, she married Anton Bender Sr. at Holy Family Catholic Church, Wittenberg. He preceded her in death December 6, 1987. Lula's love of reading and vast life experiences helped shape her role as a family historian and creative storyteller. Above all, she will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Survivors include her children, Joan Matti, Green Valley, Ariz., Judy (Terrance) Oestreich, Ringle and Anton Jr. (Bonnie) Bender, Ringle; nine grandchildren, Lori (Jim) Speckhard, Todd (Heather) Matti, Lynn Matti Keel, Scott (Nancy) Oestreich, Shari (Gary) Romanowski, Chad (Amy) Bender, Jason Bender, Chris (Megan) Bender and Becky (Matt) Benning; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Daila Platte, New London. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, Russell and Lee Feavel; sisters, Marie Berglund and Ruth Popp; and son-in-law, Larry Matti. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon Saturday September 12, 2015 at St. Florian's Catholic Church, Hatley. Rev. Greg Bohren will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff of Aspirus Hospice House and Lula's special friends at Copperleaf Memory Care in Rothschild. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Lula's name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com