William James Bender, Jr., 56, Rapid City, died Friday, October 16, 2015 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. He was born on July 17, 1959 in Chicago IL to William James, Sr. and Violet (Menard) Bender. He as always referred to as Bill. He was preceded in death by his father William James Bender, Sr.; his mother Violet Menard Bender; his grandmother Vera Bordeaux; his uncle Leroy Menard and Aunt Diane Harris. Bill and Ida moved to Rapid City from Chicago in April 1990 with their two oldest sons. He was a certified mechanic and worked in construction as a finisher. He enjoyed fishing, working with diamond willow, cooking and was a collector of rocks. Bill touched many people’s hearts with his humor and humbleness. He is survived by his wife Ida M. Fast Wolf; sons, Frank Bender; Luther Fast Wolf Bender; Ted Fast Wolf Bender; Selo Fast Wolf Bender; his daughter, Tamara Fast Wolf Bender; his in-laws, Fred and Felicia Bush all of Rapid City and in-laws, Frank and Marion Fast Wolf, Albuquerque, NM; and his three grandchildren who knew him as ‘Papa’, Jordyn, Luke and Marley Bender all of Rapid City.