Obituary of Lloyd Earl Bender

Lloyd Earl Bender Jr., age 82, of Iowa City, died Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the Solon Nursing Care Center. Services will be held Saturday morning, February 5, at Parkview Church. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:45 followed by a funeral service at 11:00. Private burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City. Lloyd E.Bender Jr. was born May 10, 1939, in Iowa City; the son of Lloyd E. and Loretta E. (Yoder) Bender. Following his attendance at Woodland School (Washington County #3), he graduated from Iowa Mennonite School in 1958. He later served in the Army during the Vietnam War. On September 11, 1976, he married Becky Boren, the best catch of his life. They had four daughters and as a family enjoyed lots of laughter and being together whether on the water or at home playing chess or backyard softball and badminton. He thoroughly enjoyed following the activities of his kids no matter what they were doing. He and his family were faithful attenders at Parkview Church where he developed deep friendships and a greater love for Jesus. Prior to their marriage, Lloyd began a long and rewarding career with the University of Iowa as a photographer. His work included everything from portraits of the president of the University to all of the sports teams and more. He became a familiar face to many in these events and was known for the quality of his work. He traveled with various sports teams and developed lifetime friendships with coaches and players. In addition to his time there, he also worked in his own private photography business, “Three Color Lab.” With the assistance and support of his family, Lloyd was responsible for thousands of wedding, graduation and school photographs. Lloyd was a gifted fisherman, and took annual trips to Minnesota with his buddies in the FLA club. He was also involved with the Iowa City Bass Club, and had many trophies to show for it. He was a patient teacher and shared his knowledge while working at his retirement job at Fin and Feather. Lloyd’s family includes his wife, Becky, and children: Laura Omundson (Eric), Melissa Woods (Zach), Christi Johnson (Matt), Holliday Bender; Scott Bender, and Courtney Bender; 12 grandchildren, Evangeline, Malachi, Leif, Adelyn, Cordelia, Cayden, Remington, Logan, Joel, Lillian, Emily, and Michael; and Lloyd’s brother Larry and wife, Jan; niece and nephew, EJ Bender and Page Winograd (Jeff). He also fully embraced Becky's family as his own. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bob Bender. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Lloyd’s memory. To share a thought, memory, or condolence please visit the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.