Devern Floyd Bender was born on January 8, 1990, to Ezra and Connie Bender in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. God called him Home on July 7, 2026, at the age of 36 years. His sudden passing leaves his family and friends with aching hearts but with an assurance of a joyful reunion in Heaven.

He grew up as the first of five children in northern Wisconsin. His love for trucking was instilled while spending many hours with his dad in the truck. After Country Lane Market was started, he and his siblings could often be found helping in the family business. It was here that his lifelong love of candy first began. We made many special memories on the family's yearly camping trips to Madeline Island. He spent many hours with his siblings, splitting firewood, swimming, building tunnels in the hay, climbing trees, and exploring in the woods.

He received his education at Barron Christian School. At the age of 14, he gave his heart to God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. In his young married years, he reconsecrated his life, and though life still had its trials, he remained faithful to the end.

In January of 2009, Devern first met Sally while she was on a trip to Wisconsin. Three months later, he moved to Nebraska and worked as a welder, learning many valuable life skills. He traveled to North Idaho for wheat harvest, fell in love with the farmer's daughter, and later moved to Bonners to work on the Amoth family farm.

We were married on October 24, 2010, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. We enjoyed 15 and a half happy years together. We made our first home in a cozy little cabin in the woods in Bonners. Our first child, Tessa, was born there.

In 2013, we moved to Yuma, Arizona, shortly before Tessa's first birthday. Devern delivered rock for IMAC and later worked at FarmPro spreading fertilizer. He loved the desert and everything that went with it: the cactus, the climate, watching fighter jets, and fishing on the Colorado River. Cole and Andi were born to us during our time there.

In the late summer of 2020, we moved to Barron, Wisconsin, where Devern worked at the family store for one year. Following this, he had the opportunity to haul sheds for Old Hickory. A highlight for him was when he flew to California to pick up his Peterbilt, affectionately known as Annabelle. He loved what he did, and it showed in the way he treated every customer like a friend. We were blessed when Claire was born to us here in Wisconsin, and our family was complete after Ty joined us in January of 2026.

No adventure seemed too dangerous, and it appeared the boy in him never left. If it involved an engine, wings, or a loud explosion, he was thrilled. He enjoyed mechanic work and believed an LS engine would fix many problems. He loved his route through Duluth and up the North Shore of Lake Superior. Nature was special to him, and he loved summertime when the lupines were in bloom. Just a week before his passing, he brought some home and hung them on his office wall. He is remembered for his special love for little children and baby animals of every kind.

Sally is grateful for the love, security, and stability Devern provided for her and in their home. Devern worked very hard to provide for his family, but in the midst of his need to provide, time with them was still of utmost priority. He often made the statement, "I just love being in my own home with my wife and family." It wasn't uncommon in the evening to find him lying on the couch with one or two of his little ones asleep on his chest. The family enjoyed trips to Culver's and, more recently, kayaking with his kids in their flooded field. Everywhere he went, he formed lifelong friendships. We are thankful for the legacy Devern leaves us.

Those left with aching hearts are his beloved wife, Sally; our dear children: Tessa (13), Cole (10), Andi (8), Claire (2), and Ty (6 months); parents, Ezra and Connie Bender; siblings: Lareasa and Curtis Mastre, Othello, Washington; Shawnavon and ShiAnne Bender, Othello, Washington; Tamalee and Trenton Loewen, Lime Springs, Iowa; and Kylan Bender, Barron, Wisconsin; parents-in-law, Dallas and Tracie Amoth; siblings-in-law: Vance and Carrie Amoth, Trisha and Lance Reimer, Ivy and Trey Ensz, Wally and Jeannie Amoth, all of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; 14 nieces and nephews; two grandmothers; many uncles and aunts, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, two grandmothers, and one uncle.

A funeral service for Devern will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Barron Mennonite Church in Barron. A visitation will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13 at the church. Burial will be at the Barron Mennonite Cemetery in Barron.

Last Update: Jul 13, 2026 9:51 am CDT