Ralph Bending

Ralph G. Bending passed away on July 11, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Mt. Gilead, OH, Ralph was raised in Brooklyn, OH, but spent his summers on his grandparents' farm in Mt. Gilead. Following high school, he attended several trade schools where he studied stationary engineering, air conditioning and refrigeration, and mechanical drafting. In May of 1957, he joined 3M as a salesman in the Industrial Tape Division. In November of 1957, he married Kip (Norma Siemon), and the two were immediately transferred to Erie, PA. As Ralph gained territories and earned promotions, the couple found themselves living in Pittsburgh, Toledo, St. Paul and Philadelphia. After moving to Woodbury for a second time in 1974, he settled in 3M's corporate office as a sales manager in the Packaging Systems Division. He retired from 3M in 1992 after 35 years of service.

Ralph was a self-made man. He began working at the age of nine taking tickets at a local movie theater, and at age 15 worked for Cleveland Metro Housing as a maintenance assistant. After trade school, he worked as an operating engineer and plant maintenance engineer, and even spent time in Florida performing as part of the musical duo, "Lynn and Larry Lawson - The Singing Sweethearts". Later he played clarinet in the Shriners' marching band. After getting married, he and Kip built a lake home in Vermilion, OH, with the help his father. Ralph never hired a repairman, since he could fix or build most anything, and even did his own car maintenance and body work.

Ralph is survived by children, Dale (Annita Fleming-Bending), Beth (Kelly) Monkman; grandchildren, Benjamin, Alexander, Taylor, Jenica; nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Kip (Norma Siemon), mother Evelyn (Garverick) Bending Smith, step-father Arthur Smith, father Ralph Kenneth, and infant daughter Amy Susan.

Memorials preferred to Lakeview Hospice, 5803 Neal Avenue N, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082.