Bernal S. (Curly) Bender, 88, of Millheim, formerly of Seven Mountains, rural Spring Mills, died Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born January 11, 1919 in Forest Hill, Union County, a son of the late William McKinley and Alda Mabus Bender.
On December 18, 1948, in Landisburg, with the Rev. Raymond Jones officiating, he married Mary E. Neff who survives at home.
Curly attended schools in Union and Mifflin counties, graduating from Lewistown High School in 1937.
He served in the U. S. Army during World War II from 1944 to 1946, having served in the European Theater with the 319th Infantry Division under General Patton. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, and the European Theater Metal with 3 Bronze Stars, for battles at Ardennes, Central Europe and the Rhineland. He also earned a Combat Medal while serving as a machine gunner, a 30 caliber, and 60 MM Mortar Gunner, during the Battle of the Bulge.
Early in life Mr. Bender was employed at the American Viscose in Lewistown. He then went to work at Titan Metals (Now Cerro Metals) near Bellefonte, retiring in 1986 from the Tool and Die Department.
Bernal was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Tusseyville, where he served in various positions including Sunday School Superintendent, and Jr. and Sr. Sunday School teacher. He also served as secretary/treasurer of the Tusseyville Cemetery Association. For several years he served as coordinator of the Centre Hall-Potter Township Food and Fuel Bank. In the spirit of helping others he was a frequent blood donor.
Curly especially enjoyed nature, mechanical work and working with machinery.
In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by two daughters, Bette Ann Bender of Millheim and Norma Jean Bender of Nottingham, PA; and a sister Nedra Reitz of Lewistown.
His parents, one daughter Mary Alice Bender, and one brother, William Bender preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p. m. on Sunday April 1, 2007, at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, in Tusseyville with the Rev. Michael Smith officiating. Friends will be received in the social hall of the church immediately following the services.
Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Handicapped Accessibility fund of Emmanuel Church, C/O Susan Myer, 214 Sinking Creek Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.