William Joseph Bendele Sr.

William Joseph Bendele, Sr, 89, of Brooklyn, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, January 31, 2023 with his loving family at his side. Bill’s family and friends will gather Friday, February 3, 2023 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eineder Funeral Homes - Brooklyn Chapel with a 7:00 pm Scripture Service. His Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11:00 am following visitation at 10:00 am at St. Rita Catholic Church, Clarklake. Fr. Mike Rejent, OSFS will serve as celebrant with Deacon Chris Vida as Homilist. He was born on February 13, 1933, in Dupont, Ohio to Silvarious and Eleanore (Hasenkamp) Bendele. Bill married Mary Ellen Hunt on April 7, 1956 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, they had 31 years together until her passing in 1987. He then married the late, Thelma Perkins- McLain on June 17, 1989 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Clarklake. He will be remembered as being a hard worker that above all else, cherished his family and friends, especially the grandchildren. Bill always made time for his family, passing down his vast knowledge to the young. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War, being stationed in France. Bill was owner/operator of Bill’s Landscaping, Excavating and Seawalls until 2010. He also was employed at Goodyear at the same time, until his retirement in 1982. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time at the farm raising beef cattle, baling hay, and growing crops. He was a parishioner of St. Rita Catholic Church, a member of the American Legion Wilbur Bartlett Post 315 in Brooklyn, and a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Bill enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He was a man that always stayed busy. Bill will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Bill is survived by his children, Bill (Mary) Bendele, Jr. of Clarklake, Deborah Bendele of Addison, Michael Bendele of Brooklyn and Charlene (Terry) Hotz of Tabernacle, New Jersey; stepchildren, Darwin (Orlena) McLain, Terry (Chris) McLain, Gary (Suzanne) McLain, Ron (Jan) McLain, Doug (Linda) McLain and Jeanne Eggleston; siblings, Jeanette Taylor and Edward Bendele both of Brooklyn; grandchildren Teresa, Billy III, Michelle, Denny, Alicia, Travis, Chad, Heather, Amy, Makayla, Jessica, Marissa and Brian; 24 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wives, Mary Ellen and Thelma; a son, Tim and stepdaughter Sharon Weiss; siblings, Sylvester Bendele, Arlene Bickham, Jim Bendele, and John Bendele. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to American Legion Wilbur Bartlett Post 315 of Brooklyn or St. Rita Catholic Church. Please leave a message of comfort for Bill’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

William Joseph Bendele Sr.

February 13, 1933 - January 31, 2023