Mass of Christian Burial was on Monday, Oct. 6, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Church and Father Rodney Kneifl celebrated the Mass. Private family interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation began at 9 a.m. on Monday with a Rosary beginning at 10 a.m., all at the church. In lieu of flowers, stones, plaques, etc., the family requests memorials in Randy’s name to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church or Special Olympics Nebraska- Clarkson Delegation. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and kindness during this time.

Randy was born on Nov. 17, 1957, in Norfolk, Neb., to Kenneth and Georgia Ann (Dusel) Bender. The third of seven children, growing up in a loving family and graduating from Humphrey St. Francis High School in 1976.

On Oct. 15, 1977, Randy married the love of his life, Geralyn Wemhoff. Together, they made their home in Humphrey and raised two daughters, Miranda and Kendra. Randy began his career at IBP Foods, where he worked for 11 years, followed by 9 years with Foltz Farms Trucking. At the age of 36, he joined his brothers Leon and Kevin in farming, where he raised hogs and planted crops. Farming wasn’t just work for Randy — it was his calling, and he poured his heart and soul into providing for his family.

A lifelong Catholic, Randy was a devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Humphrey. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and cheering for his favorite teams — the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the New York Yankees, and the Miami Dolphins. He also found great joy in coaching his daughters in sports and traveling to countless meets, games, and tournaments.

Randy’s greatest joy came

from his family. He and Geri were blessed with two daughters and eight grandchildren. He was a proud grandfather to Miranda and Steven Svitak’s seven children — Barrett, Dakota, Benelli, Riggins, Sienna, Kalani, and Hendrix — and to Kendra and Trevor Knopik’s daughter, Meeka. Time with his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face and filled his days with love.

Randy is survived by his wife, Geralyn (Wemhoff) Bender; daughter Miranda and Steven Svitak of Leigh and their children Barrett, Dakota, Benelli, Riggins, Sienna, Kalani, and Hendrix; daughter Kendra and Trevor Knopik of Genoa and their daughter Meeka; sister Denise Hofeling of Roanoke, Texas; brothers Darrell (Karen) Bender of Elkhorn, Scott (Becky) Bender of Humphrey, Craig (Jessica) Bender of Columbus, Kevin (Linda) Bender of Humphrey, and Leon (Barb) Bender of Humphrey; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Georgia Ann Bender.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Randy’s name to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Humphrey as well as the Special Olympics Nebraska-Clarkson Delegation. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and kindness during this time.

Randy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com