Tanya E. Bender

Tanya Bender, 55, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on April 3, 2025. Born on October 18, 1969, in Cherry Valley, Illinois, to Kenneth and Maria (Awe) Olson. Tanya dedicated 35 years to her work at Girgenti Chiropractics, which later became Redefine Wellness. Her warm disposition, unwavering loyalty, and commitment made a lasting impact, as she infused positivity into every aspect of her work.

A lifelong member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Tanya was baptized there and maintained her connection to the church throughout her life. She took great joy in the simple pleasures of life, including tending to her garden with her husband, enjoying picnics under the front tree with her grandchildren, and cherishing every moment spent with family.

Tanya is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 35 years, Steve (Mark); her four daughters, Alexeus Bender, Sarah (James) Schackelton, Sheila Bender, and Nadia (Taylor) Amidon; and her beloved grandchildren, Aurora, True, and Piper Schackelton. She is also survived by her mother, Maria Olson; her sisters, Nancy Yehling and Karen (Paul) Sletten; sisters-in-law Rhonda (Kurt) Schroeder and Mary (Mike) Sizemore; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Olson, and her sister-in-law, Lori Carr.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural Street, Rockford, Illinois, with Reverend Rob James officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or to the family.

Tanya’s legacy will live on through the love and joy she brought to those around her, the care she gave, and the many lives she touched during her life.