Ervin "Erv" Bender, 74, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away peacefully on April 26, 2020 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, South Dakota after a short battle with cancer.  A private, family burial will be at the Winner Cemetery on Friday, May 8, 2020 at 11:00AM.

Erv was born on January 31, 1946 in Burke, South Dakota to Edwin Bender and Adeline (Kahler) Bender.  He spent his early years on the farm with his parents and his grandparents, moving to Winner in the early 60's.  He graduated from Winner High School in 1964.

While growing up, Erv attended St. Paul Lutheran Church south of Colome, SD and was confirmed on June 5, 1960.  He later attended Harvest Christian Fellowship in North Platte, NE.

Erv joined the National Guard after high school and was active for 6 years.

He spent his early working years at the Key Station in Winner, which led to his love of working on cars.  He also started working at the Crossroads Market in Winner while in high school which led to his career in retail management.  He worked at Gibson's in Winner, at first as assistant manager and then later as the manager.  In the 70's, he moved to Fort Morgan, Colorado to manage a Gibson warehouse.  He later moved to North Platte, Nebraska to manage a TSC Store.  When his wife became ill, he worked with her in her upholstery shop and then worked for the railroad transporting workers until his retirement.

Erv loved his little dog, Sassy, WWE wrestling, fishing, playing pool on leagues, and spending time with and helping his many friends.

He is survived by sisters, Betty (Barry) Tideman of Carter, SD, and Susan Long of Witten, SD; nephews, Brian (Melissa) Tideman of Rapid City, SD, Blake (Emily) Tideman of Winner, SD; nieces, Nikki Olson (friend, John Reed) of Winner, SD, Lacey Titze of Sioux Falls, SD, and Taylor (friend, Johnny Brooks) of Sioux Falls, SD as well as great nieces and nephews.

Ervin was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Kevin Long, and dear friend and ex-wife, Carol Bender.