Milton Lavern Cender, 95, died March 21, 2026, in Goshen, Ind. He was born May 1, 1930, in Dewey, Ill., the second child of nine to Emery and Mattie Cender.  

He modeled faith in Christ by his care and willingness to help others. He grew up as a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, Ill., and in retirement was a member of College Mennonite Church in Goshen. He grew up working on the farm. He had a life-changing experience in alternative service with Pax in Ger­-
many and Austria from 1953 to 1955. Upon return-ing, he began working at Cender Gas Co. in Gibson City, Ill., eventually becoming the owner.

He married Ruth Wismer on Aug. 18, 1957. They had two children, living in Gibson City for 50 years as active members of their community. Upon retiring in 2007, Milton and Ruth moved to Goshen, where he volunteered at the Mennonite Historical Society and enjoyed working on his antique cars. He was an avid reader, enjoying church history and family genealogy.

At 89, Milton took up bicycling with a three-wheeled e-bike. He often rode on the Pumpkin Vine Trail and frequently cycled 22 miles a day. He biked over 12,000 miles in the past six years. He loved being out on his bike in the countryside, surrounded by nature. He lived life to the fullest. He was known for his quiet, jovial nature and sense of humor. 

Milton is survived by his children, Karl (Kathe Streeter) and Greta Cender-Poplett (James Poplett); six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and siblings Fern Martin, Wilda Otto, Vietta Nofziger, Marlene Kaufman and Mary Jo Oswald. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; brothers Mahlon, Eldon and Lowell; and daughter-in-law Wilma Cender.