Denise C. Bendel, 53, of Rochester was surrounded by her loving family  when she passed away at 8:35 AM, Sunday, December 10 , 2017 at Woodlawn Hospital.

On September 8 , 1964, Denise Charmaine Bendel was born in Chicago.  She was a treasured daughter of  Wilbur and Joan Johnson Bendel.  Growing up she shared her childhood with a sister Diana and two brothers William and Brian.  With great Warrior pride she graduated from Winamac High School in 1982.

Working with her hands, Denise enjoyed a variety of crafts.  She was known for crocheting gifts of warmth for family and special friends.  Fishing was her favorite outdoor sport while indoors she was remembered for her accuracy while throwing darts.  She was the proud owner of a unique collection of unicorns.

Paramount in her life was her family.   Denise enjoyed spending time with her daughters, siblings and mother.  Many memories were made during family celebrations and at the holidays.  They enjoyed competitive card games, board games especially Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit.  Summer brought on picnics at the park or along the tranquil Tippecanoe.

Denise is lovingly remembered by her mother, Joan Bendel of Winamac; two daughters: Carissa Bendel of LaPorte, Saryna Bendel Schoff of Logansport; a sister, Diana M. Shannon and husband Tim of Winamac; two brothers: William E. Bendel and wife JoAnn of Avon, and Brian K. Bendel of Winamac. Preceding Denise in death are her father in May of 1990 and an infant brother, Jonathon Bendel.

A celebration of the life of Denise C. Bendel will be at 6:00 PM EST on Thursday, December 21 , 2017, in the Good Family, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester.   Chaplain Jason See will officiate. Friends may visit with the family two hour priors to the service.