Please accept my condolences on the passing of Don. I met him many years ago when he was visiting in Coralville. Seems Don and his brother Bob, and Family lived at 515 7th Avenue, and my Dad, "Erwin', and the Brandstatter Family lived at 509 6th Avenue, during the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. My Dad, Erwin and the "Bender Boys' were inseparable as kids growing up. They attended the 'Old School' on 5th Street, and played ball, swam in the Iowa River, got into the normal boyhood trouble in a small town, and were great friends. WWII came and all the boys in Coralville were off to the Service. My Dad and Bob Bender would see each other 'often' as they both lived here in town. Dad would always ask about Don, and get some news. One vacation my folks stopped in to see Don at his home. New Mexico?... I know they talked and talked about growing up in Coralville.

I realize that due to Don's age, and having left Coralville so many long years ago, that possibly not a lot of 'friends' will be at the funeral. PLEASE know that Don and the Benders were a very large part of the Coralville 'scene' for many years.

I salute Don and Bob for their service during WWII... I would normally be in the Color Guard for a funeral, but other commitments on Friday nite will not allow me to attend.

On behalf of the Brandstatter Family, we offer our condolences to the Don Bender Family.