After his long battle with dementia, Clarence Vincent Bender, 88, passed away peacefully in his home on September 3, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Clarence was born on May 17, 1938 on the family farm in St. Anthony, ND to George and Emma (Stein) Bender. He was one of thirteen children. He enlisted into the Air Force and did basic training in Texas and the remainder of his service in Spain.

After his service, Clarence moved to Billings, MT where he met Mildred (Millie) Binstock from Scheffield, ND. They fell in love and were married for 62 years. Clarence was employed at Pierce Packing Company for 26 years until their closure. He then worked for Raymond Corcoran Trucking until retirement.

Clarence was a member of the Moose Lodge of Billings, MT and St. Pius Verein of Schefield, ND. He was also a proud member of the South Central Montana Antique Tractor and Machinery Association and had a love for antique tractors. He spent numerous hours tinkering on old tractors with Barry. They both shared a passion of farming.

Clarence was known for playing his accordion. He spent countless hours playing polka music for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They could always count on joining in with him in his music room to dance or play other instruments. His face lit up anytime one of the kids played along with him. He got his inspiration from Lawrence Welk, Big Joe Polka Show, and Mollie B.

His greatest love was spending time with his family. Clarence is survived by his wife Millie; his children Susie (Greg) Kemmis of Billings, MT, Lisa Behrman of Kirkland, WA, and Barry (Kim) Bender of Worden, MT; his grandchildren Kortney (Kyle) Vierthaler of Billings, MT, Kassie (Lance) Fulker of Chandler, AZ, Kam Kemmis of Billings, MT, Alex Behrman of Seattle, WA, Grace Behrman of Bozeman, MT, Dawson Bender of Ballantine, MT, Mason Bender of Hysham, MT, and Madason Bender of Worden, MT; and his great-grandchildren Quinn and Cohen Vierthaler and Hallie, Zayne, and baby girl Fulker; and his sweet dog Luca. He is also survived by his sister Dolores Scott of Nebraska and his brother Kenny Bender of Billings, MT.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents George and Emma and siblings Leonard, Leo, Urban, Stella, Irene, Evelyn, Gary, Phyllis, Vernon, and Nettie.

Funeral services and reception will be held at St. Bernard’s Parish on September 10, 2026 at 11:00 am with the reception immediately following. The burial will take place on September 11, 2026 at Yellowstone National Cemetery at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RiverStone Health Hospice.

The family would like to give their deepest appreciation to Michaela, Michelle, and Jessica from RiverStone Health Hospice along with the other home healthcare workers from RiverStone Health Hospice and Synergy HomeCare who helped Clarence and supported Millie.