Murill J. Bender's Obituary
Murill J. Bender "Doc" of Fremont, MI, age 77, loving husband of Judy (Clarke) Bender & mentor/encourager of many, went peacefully into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on December 3, 2021, at his home after a long illness. Born on January 17, 1944, MJ was the first born of Dr. C.J. & Evelyn (Kitelinger) Bender.
In 1962, MJ graduated high school from St. Louis, MI. where he excelled in sports & grew from a shy young boy into a confident young man with a fervent spirit for life & a love for his fellow man. That spirit enabled him to serve in many organizations throughout the years where he received numerous awards for his service on local & state levels, one of which was the "Michigan Minute Man" award given through the Governor's office. After years of a public relations career, MJ ultimately decided to earn his Doctorate of Chiropractic & purchased his father's clinic in 1979. Years later he followed his calling into Christian ministry and found that this was his greatest passion and became an ordained minister. For several years MJ & Judy hosted a place of respite for pastors & church leadership through "Mt. Gilead Ministries". A favorite phrase that MJ would say with a big smile was "When you know WHOSE you are then you know WHO you are"! He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and he & Judy often sang together.
MJ's siblings say he was a big tease & often "picked on them" but in reality, he was a very loving brother, husband, father, son & uncle. Judy will cherish his memory along with their two lovely daughters, Kristin (Joe) Polizzi of FL. and stepdaughter, Angie (Scott) Molvik of WA. with his 3 grandsons; his siblings Arlouine Glass of FL, Beverly (Ron) Palmer of Indian River, MI, Cheri Brauher of East Tawas, MI. & Brian Bender of Alma, MI. and several nieces & nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 8, 2022, at Inspire Church, 918 Garden Ave., Fremont, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or to the family in care of Judy Bender. Checks should be sent to Shoreline Memorial Funeral Home at 137 E. Laketon Ave., Muskegon, Michigan. 49442
Arrangements by Shoreline Memorial Services -- Muskegon -- (231)-722-5050
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