Albert Bender Jr.

Albert Lee Bender Jr., 55, passed peacefully on March 15, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Albert was born to the late Albert and Anna Bender on January 20, 1967, in Mandan, ND. He was the second to the youngest of his siblings, with 4 older sisters, one older brother, and one younger brother, Jason, who he considered one of his best friends.

Albert met Darlene Erickson in high school and they eventually had 2 beautiful daughters together, Carissa  and Crystal, who he loved and adored so much. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and being outdoors, so much so, he never wanted to wear shoes! Many people may remember him by “Bootie”, a nickname given to Albert by his mom because he used to kick off his booties!

Albert worked hard throughout his life and held various jobs; he was a roofer at Custom Roofing, tree cutter at Bullinger Tree Service, and, his most recent job, fry cook at Culvers in Mandan.

He spent his free time jamming out to music in his ‘man shed’ with his significant other, Cheryl, who he loved dearly and was lucky enough to share the last six years of his life with.

Albert’s creative side shined bright when he carved beautiful walking sticks out of willow trees; his gentle smile warmed your heart and his contagious giggle could fill a room with laughter. We will always keep you in our hearts, Albert! Goodbye to a wonderful man, father, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend. We love you, forever and always. Until we meet again!

Fly high with your baby girl, Albert, we all know she’s been waiting for you in heaven!

Albert is survived by his daughter, Crystal (Edwin) Funk; his three grandchildren, Joesph, Bailee and Nyjah; his significant other, Cheryl Nauman; his siblings, Jovita (Denny) Mann, David Bender, Carla Bender, Carol (Dean) Weigum, Geraldine (Daniel) Miller, and Jason (Kim) Bender; his aunts, Geraldine (Harry) Kline and Helen Schumacher; his uncle, Sebastian (Helen) Schumacher; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Carissa M. Bender; his parents, Albert and Anna Bender; his uncles, Pius, Anton, and John Schumacher and Jack, Andy, and Leonard Bender; and his grandparents, Adam and Ottilia Bender, and Anna and Sebastian Schumacher.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating funds to help cover Albert’s funeral expenses on our GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Booties-Funeral-Funds .