Edward Charles Bender, 86, of McHenry, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024. He was born September 15, 1937, in Chicago.

Ed grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois. He attended Hillside Grade School and Proviso East High School and went as far in his educational career to graduate from DePaul University. He continued to further his education by receiving Master degrees from Stanford and Harvard. Ed served in the Air Force Reserves. He worked for W.W. Grainger for 36 years. He started at the bottom as a clerk and worked his way up to becoming Vice President. He was also a former Trustee and Mayor of Fox Lake.

Ed enjoyed classic cars, golf, boating and he loved vacationing out West very much. He loved going out on his Baja and teaching his sons to water ski. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Phyllis Bender (nee Chiappetta); children, Joe (Erica), Dan (Erika), Ed (Lori), John (Alison), Bill (Janessa); 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Tom Bender; and sister, Marie Mayhew.

He was proceeded in death by his brothers-in-law, Sal Mistretta and Howard Mayhew; nephew, Michael Bender; father, Edward Bender; and mother, Katherine (nee Mohiser).

Memorial visitation Saturday, January 27, from 11am-2 pm, with a service at 2 pm, at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.