Michelle Bender

Michelle M. Bender (nee Giese) passed away in her sleep next to her loving husband on Monday morning, November 8, 2021. She was 55 years old.

Michelle was born September 21, 1966 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Patrick and Connie (nee Holsen) Giese. As a child, her family called many places “home”, including Saudi Arabia where Michelle attended Linden Hall Boarding School for 5 years. In 1984, she graduated from Lindale High School in TX. She later went on to earn her Associates Degree from UW-Sheboygan.

On September 12, 2009, Michelle was united in marriage with Todd Bender in Plymouth.

For nearly 9 years, Michelle worked in customer service at Aqua Master in School Hill.

A member of River Rock Church in Sheboygan, Michelle looked forward to her daily devotionals. She had enjoyed playing softball in her younger years, and later looked forward to riding her trike with Todd, taking rides and shopping trips to Costco with her best friend.

An artist, Michelle loving painting, drawing, crafts and photography. Michelle was a giving, loving person who will be remembered for always putting everyone else first.

Michelle is survived by her husband Todd of Sheboygan Falls, mother Connie Giese of Florence, MT and step-children: Eric (Lisa) Bazzetta, Sandy (Patrick) Malinak and Ashley (Jake) Malekar, all of IN. She is further survived by several grandchildren; brothers Jim (Amy) Giese of Florence, MT and Chris (Kristi) Giese of Watertown; brother-in-law John (Tena) Bender of Foley, AL; sisters-in-law Doreen (Rickey) Krachey of Wausau and Deborah (William) LaRose of Green Bay; dear friends Vicky Horneck, Kathy Paquetta and Jean Clemmons; fur baby Scooter; other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her father Patrick and parents-in-law Frederick and Evelyn Bender.

A Memorial Service celebrating Michelle’s life will be held at 5:00PM on Friday, November 19, 2021 at River Rock Church, 2908 N. 21st St. (1907 Club) in Sheboygan. The family will receive visitors at the church on Friday from 3:00-5:00PM

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

The family would like to thank River Rock Church as well as the staffs of Inclusa, Shoreline Metro, DeVita and Dr. Michelle Rejman’s office for their compassionate and loving care of Michelle.

The Wenig Funeral Home – Sheboygan Falls (920-564-2771) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.