Herald Journal Publishing

Publisher of Herald Journal, Dassel-Cokato Enterprise Dispatch, Delano Herald Journal, McLeod County Chronicle, Arlington Enterprise, & West Carver News

Norman Stender obituary, 5/30/04


Funeral services celebrating the life of Norman Stender, age 81 of Lester Prairie, were Wednesday, June 2, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lester Prairie. Norman died Saturday, May 30, 2004 at Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care Unit.
Norman was born Nov. 25, 1922, in Hollywood Township, the son of Rueben and Anna (Ehmke) Stender. He was baptized Dec. 17, 1922 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hollywood Twp., by the Rev. W. L. Ernst, and later confirmed into the faith, April 5, 1936, at the same church by Rev. Ernst.
He attended school at District 74 in Carver County, and also St. John’s Lutheran School in Hollywood Twp.
In his earlier years, Norman did farm work and was employed at the Winsted Cheese Plant.
He joined the Navy in 1944 and was discharged in 1946. He was also employed at Central Manufacturing in Lester Prairie.
Norman was united in marriage to Della Van Bettcher Nov. 18, 1949, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Lester Prairie, by the Rev. Alfred R. Streufert. Their marriage was blessed with four daughters: Linda Scott, Lois Stender, Lori Harms, and Lisa Lepel.
Norman was the Standard Oil bulk agent from 1954 to 1976. He was then employed by Glencoe Butter & Produce from 1978 to 1982.
He was a member of the Lester Prairie Fire Department from 1956 to 1983, a member of Lester Prairie Legion Post 463 for 56 years, and served as a church elder and trustee.
Norman enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, shaking dice, and playing a good game of sheephead. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends.
Norman is survived by his loving wife Della Van of Lester Prairie; children: Linda Scott (husband: Richard) of Plato, Lois Stender of Lester Prairie, Lori Harms (husband: Steve) of Glencoe, and Lisa Lepel (husband: Tim) of Plato; and grandchildren: Brett Scott, Teisha Scott, Kelly Harms, Cody Harms, Nolan Lepel, Ellie Lepel, Bennett Lepel, and Beau Lepel.
He is further survived by a sister, Maryanna Machemehl; a brother Ronald Stender (wife: Marlys); sisters-in-law Violet Tonn, Derrolla Fasching, Florence Klaustermeier, Carol Adams, and Betty Miller (husband: Gene); brothers-in-law Juergen Bettcher and Ewald Jr. Bettcher (wife: Dorothy); as well as many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law Eunice Wainwright, Evangeline Fasching, and Grace Bettcher; and brothers-in-law Louis Machemehl, Dee Wainwright, Theodore Tonn, William Fasching, Linus Fasching, Victor Klaustermeier, and Vernon Adams.
The 11 a.m. funeral services were officiated by the Rev. Randall Tonn. Organist was Jane Holasek. Soloist Marcia Dummer sang “Amazing Grace.” Congregational hymns were “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Just As I Am.”
Visitation was Tuesday evening at the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie.
Serving as casket bearers were Joel Machemehl, Allen Klaustermeier, Doug Bettcher, Randy Stender, Terry Stender, and Mark Klaustermeier. Honorary casket bearers were Norman’s grandchildren.
Interment was in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Lester Prairie.
The Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie handled the arrangements.

Back to Current Obituary List
| Obituary Archive Menu

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.