David "Hoot" Duane Bender, age 86, of Arpin, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, in Marshfield with family at his side. A beloved father, grandfather, outdoorsman, and storyteller, Dave lived a life rich in curiosity, craftsmanship, and connection to nature and family.

A service to honor Dave's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14th at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pittsville, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service. Reverend Gary Markworth will officiate. Dave will be laid to rest at St. John's Lutheran Church cemetery in the Town of Hansen. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born March 12, 1939 at home in rural Granton, Dave was the youngest of five children born to David and Mabel (Broihier) Bender. He was raised on the family farm along Cunningham Creek, where a deep connection to the land and a strong work ethic were instilled early in life. After graduating from Granton High School, he worked at Bud's Drive In, a root beer stand established by his sister June and her husband Bud. He later pursued a career as a Journeyman Millwright at Weyerhaeuser in Marshfield, earning a degree through the Mid-State Technical College 4-year apprenticeship program. Over his 44 years at Weyerhaeuser, he earned a reputation as the go-to expert for troubleshooting and repairing aging machinery—his hands-on ingenuity and pride in a job well done left a lasting legacy among his peers.

David married his first wife Sandra (Sandy) Krause in 1957. They were married for 15 years and had three children: David, Debra and Darrell. He later married Beverly (Graveen) Carolfi in 1973, bringing her two children, Richard "Ritchie" and Lee Ann, into the family. Together, they had two more children, Donna and Holly.

Dave was a true Renaissance man—avid outdoorsman, builder, historian, geologist, genealogist, and gold prospector. He found joy fishing the East Fork of the Black River, hunting the woodlands of Buck Hill, or sharing theories on ancient civilizations and natural wonders. He had a talent for turning everyday conversations into fascinating journeys through history, science, or family lore. His curiosity knew no bounds. Dave's stories, laughter, and endless pursuit of knowledge will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

One of Dave's proudest accomplishments was building his home in Arpin with the help of his family, using lumber from his parents' homestead—a lasting symbol of his resourcefulness and devotion to family roots.

Preceded in death by his parents David & Mabel Bender, sister & brother-in-law Mae & Marv Hemp, sister & brother-in-law Elaine "Johnny" & Ralph Dorow, sister & brother-in-law June & Hilmer "Bud" Dudei, brother-in-law Gordon Meddaugh, his first wife Sandy Krause, his step-son Richard Carolfi and great grandson Zaidyn Bender.

Dave is survived by his five children: David Bender of Granton, WI; Debbie (Korey) Schillinger of Stratford, WI; Darrell (Kim) Bender of Marshfield, WI; Donna (Franz) Maurer of Greenville, WI; and Holly (Shawn) Reckner of Marshfield, WI. He is also survived by his separated wife, Beverly Bender; his sister, Lorraine "Topsy" (Bender) Meddaugh; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the SICU, CCU and Palliative Care teams of the Marshfield Hospital for their special care of him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations in memory of Dave to be payable to the Granton FFA or the Wisconsin Geological Society.

Though we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life lived fully, with purpose, passion, and love.