Dan Bendel

Age 77 of Wilmington, Illinois, died peacefully Friday, May 31, 2024, under home hospice care after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his family.

Born June 29, 1946 in Berwyn, Illinois, Daniel Wayne was a son of Raymond and Sarah (Davis) Bendel. He was raised in Wilmington and served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, during which time he was stationed in Germany. On October 24, 1970 Danny married Barbara Anderson at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. He began his career as a mechanic working for local car dealerships, including Lombardi Chevrolet, before gaining employment with Bunge Loders Croklaan in Channahon, Illinois.

Danny was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 241 in Wilmington, and he was a friendly guy who could have a conversation with anyone he met. He enjoyed being outdoors and took great pleasure in fishing, especially at South Padre Island in Texas. Danny was a helpful person, inclined to lend a hand when someone was in need, and worked hard at being the best husband, father, grandfather, and brother he could be.

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18

Survivors include two daughters: Bobbi Lynn Adams-Stumpf of Scottsdale, Arizona and Kimberly Lynn Bendel Rose of Wilmington; his biological son, Bryan Steele of Bourbonnais, Illinois; five grandchildren: Jonathan Daniel Rose, Hana Evelin Rose Stumpf, Abigail Jordan Rose, Sommer Daniella Stumpf, and Lacibella Skye Stumpf; two sisters: Barbara Bendel of Gardner, Illinois and Anita (Tom) Proffit of Wilmington; one sister-in-law, Margaret Bendel of Stafford, Arizona, and several nieces and nephews, including Mary Palmer of Wilmington.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara on July 25, 2022, and his brothers: David, Russell, James, and Bruce "Buzz" Bendel.

Per Danny’s wishes, cremation rites are being accorded. 

Family and friends will gather at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Monday, July 29, 2024 by 12:15 p.m. Funeral procession will depart to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, where Dan will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made as gifts in Danny’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Danny’s memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements are being made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.