Robert A. Bender

Robert A. “Bob” Bender, 85 of Watertown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Henry and Ruth (Breslich) Bender. He attended Whitefish Bay Schools and graduated high school in 1957. Bob went on to attend Vanderbilt University for both undergraduate work and Law School, where he graduated in 1964. Prior to his third year of Law School, Bob married Jane Hanna on August 31, 1963, in Louisville, KY. After graduation, the couple moved to Milwaukee for one year before settling in Watertown in October of 1965 where Bob started as an associate with the Roland Dierker law firm. Soon after, Bob became Assistant District Attorney for Jefferson County. When the position of City Attorney for Watertown opened up, he applied and secured that post in 1968. Bob proudly held that position for 38 years. Bob was also a member of the Jefferson and Dodge County Bar Associations and the State Bar of Wisconsin, and a member of Rotary International, Watertown Chapter where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He served as a past director of the M&I Bank in Watertown and Beaver Dam. In addition to his law practice, Bob was very active in many different community activities. He was a member and trustee of the Joe Davies Scholarship Foundation which provides academic scholarships to students who have graduated from many different high schools in Dodge and Jefferson Counties. Bob also was a member of the Board of Trustees and past president of the Watertown Economic Development Corporation. Bob and Jane faithfully attended Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church of Watertown where Bob was a member of the Board of Directors of the Church Endowment Fund. He shared his vocal talents by being a part of the Faithful Men Singing group at the church. In his free time, Bob enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife. He loved to spend time outside golfing and was a past president and member of the Board of Directors of the Watertown Country Club. Above all else, Bob treasured time spent with his family, especially his 6 grandchildren. 

Bob is survived by: his wife Jane; children William Bender, James (Holly) Bender, and Lelia (Christopher) Haeger; and grandchildren Eddie, Will, Mikey, Charlie, AJ, and Lyndsey. Bob is also survived by other family members and many friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents and brother Henry Bender Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name may be made to Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice.

A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church of Watertown with Rev. Carina Schiltz presiding. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the church.