Theodora K. Bender

Theodora Maria Kitzler Schroeder Bender September 16, 1950, to December 21, 2022 Age 72 At home under the loving care of her daughter Camille. Theodora (Teddy) was born September 16, 1950, in Rotthalmunster, Niederbayern Kreis Krankenhaus, West Germany. The third of four children of Dr.Walter and Martha Kitzler. Being the only daughter brought immense joy to her parents. At age five,Teddy and family first immigrated to Sarnia, Canada. While her father reinstated his medical license to suffice North American requirements, Teddy quickly learned English and assisted her mother who had difficulty in mastering the language. She was taught beautiful cursive writing from the Catholic Nuns which was evident in her handwriting still today.

Three years later, Teddy and family moved to Yankton, SD where her father was Medical Director of the Yankton Medical Hospital. The South Dakota winters were brutal forcing the four children to play in underground tunnels that connected all the different facilities on the campus. Many memories were made while they rode bicycles and roller skated through the maze of the hospital tunnel system.

Following that move there were relocations to Faulkton, SD and Ipswich, SD where Teddy graduated high school in 1967. She attended University of South Dakota and Northern State University graduating with a Bachelor of Secondary Education in 1972. Teddy was married to Clyde Schroeder April 8, 1971, and relocated to Fargo, ND where Clyde attended North Dakota State University and studied architecture. During this time, two boys were added to the Schroeder household. Clinton Manning Schroeder (May 25, 1973) and Curtis Walter Schroeder (August 2, 1974).

Teddy and family moved to Denver, CO in January of 1975 where Clyde obtained employment. A daughter, Camille Marie Schroeder arrived November 5, 1981, bringing delight of having a girl added to two rambunctious boys. Clyde and Teddy were married for almost twenty years until the marriage dissolved in 1990.

Teddy worked several types of employment while also managing teenage children and all the experiences associated with growing up. Ultimately, her employment skillsnarrowed to being the Director of Management for a Property Management firm. In 1993bTeddy remarried Dale Bender and she absorbed stepchildren which she took care of, guided and loved. Jennifer (Bender) Bailey and Andrew Bender. Children were now marrying, going to university and becoming independent with careers of their own. Christmas has always been a special holiday for Teddy since childhood in Germany, where she experienced the Christkindlmarktand the warm blend of cider and pretzels, also known as holiday cheer. Teddy made every effort to impress and make it special. Family, friends or anyone that needed a seat at the dinner table were welcome. The Christmas spirit saturated her home and the hearts of all who entered.

 December 30, 2005 life almost stopped with a fatal car accident which took the lives of son Curtis, wife Jessica (Fitzgerald), grandson Wolfgang, with grandson Augustus (Augie) age 1 surviving. It was a very painful and challenging time but Teddy’s strength to persevere slowly brought life back to some semblance of normalcy. Family and grandchildren were the most precious parts of her life. During a massive portion of her life beginning in 1986, cancer has been a battle which she had to fight, conquer and again be faced with in 2008. Her indomitable spirit always faced the challenge head on doing whatever it was though unpleasant and painful to overcome. This spirit has brought admiration, respect and love from those who have been touched by Teddy.

Teddy’s life can best be analogues to the making of steel: (CHARACTER) Created from the forging of iron (STRENGTH), Limestone (LOVE), Coal (FAITH) and intense heat (PERSEVERANCE). Something all can Love, Honor and Respect. A good soul has been lost from this earth, but her spirit memory lives on in those she touched. May Theodora (Teddy) Maria Kitzler Schroeder Bender find peace, love and rest in the after life.

She truly deserves it.

Teddy is survived by Brother (Wolfgang Emanual Kitzler), Son (Clinton Manning Schroeder), Daughter (Camille Marie (Schroeder)Weber), Stepdaughter(Jennifer(Bender)Bailey, Stepson(Andrew Bailey, Grandchildren: Lindsey Schroeder, Bronwyn and Wilhelm Schroeder, Augustus Schroeder, Giselle(Schroeder)Weber, Jordyne Bailey, Chloe Bailey, A.J Bailey, --- Bailey.

Teddy is preceded in death by Father (Dr Walter Anton Kitzler), Mother (Martha (Novak Kitzler), Brothers (Werner Ervin Kitzler) and (Walter Claus Kitzler), Son (Curtis WalterSchroeder), Grandson (Wolfgang Anton Schroeder).

In lieu of flowers we have set up a donation site to Teddy’s dear friend Katie. Katie is a single Mother suffering from multiple myeloma. While enduring weekly treatment, Katie cares for her elderly parents that recently moved here from Vietnam as well has her two children on her own. Her love and support of Teddy throughout their friendship was beautiful. Like so many others, Katie found a second Mom in Teddy. http://spot.fund/KatieAndMultipleMyeloma

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