Gerald (Edward)Bender, 74, Harvey, ND died Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey.  Arrangements pending with Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Harvey.  Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with prayer services at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 28 at the Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Jerry was born on July 29, 1944 in Harvey, ND.  He was the son of Victor and Violet (Stotz) Bender.  He grew up and attended country school in the Lincoln Valley area south of Anamoose and south of Martin.  He graduated from the Martin High School in 1963.  He farmed south of Martin.  Jerry married Vernae Held on November 16, 1990 in Harvey.  Jerry attended auctionering school in Mason City, Iowa.  He was an auctioneer for many years and worked with David Frueh, Don Zuther, Steve Slaamot and Gil Steedsman.  ZBS Auctioneers was recognized throughout the area.  Jerry retired from farming in 2006 and he and Vernae moved into Harvey.   For ten years he served on the Martin Elevator Board as President or Director; on the Martin Township Board for 42 years, Martin Merchants for 15 years and the Wells Eagles Aerie # 3080 in Harvey.  He was also a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church.  He attended the North Dakota State Fair on numerous days every year.  He traveled to area threshing shows.     He also enjoyed visiting the Wolford Museum and fishing.

Jerry is survived by his wife Vernae of Harvey; brother Dean (Kathy) of Emmett, Idaho; sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws,  Pamela Held of Harvey; Daniel (Virginia) Held of Selz; Janet (Mark) Schmidt of Bismarck, Karen (Marvin) Migler of Rugby;  nieces and nephews and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother in law, Jerome Held.

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