Johnnie Stender

Johnnie Ernest Stender was born March 21, 1926, on a farm near Ute, Iowa. He passed peacefully in his sleep while at home on May 17, 2013, surrounded by his family. Johnnies parents were Henry and Erna (Moltmann) Jacobs. He spent most of his time with his father, and eventually ended up at the home of Herman and Dora Kruse in Westside. He received his education both in country schools in the area, and at the Westside Consolidated School. He left school early to work at the Wilson Packing Plant in Omaha, and received his GED years later.

In 1945, Johnnie joined the Air Force and served at Giebelstadt Air Force Base in Germany where he retired as a Sergeant. While at the base, he met his wife Gerda Loth and they were married on September 29, 1948 in Wiesbaden, Germany. They returned to the states later that year and settled near Denison. Shortly thereafter they moved to a farm outside of Westside. To this union, three children were born; Donald, Pamela, and Shelley. Gerda preceded Johnnie in death in 1991, and he married Letty (Rothmeyer) Stender on November 27, 1992.

In 1974, after moving to Westside, Johnnie formed the Stender Agency where he sold insurance, real estate, and performed residential appraisals. He also worked as a rural mail carrier.

Johnnie was a member of the United Church of Christ, and served as Chairman of the Church Council in 1972. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Some of Johnnies favorite activities were fishing and bowling, and he thoroughly enjoyed his later years admiring his flower and vegetable gardens, and feeding the birds.

Johnnie is survived by his wife Letty of Westside, his children, Don Stender and wife Vangie of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, Pamela and husband Dr. Robert Wiprud of College Station, Texas, Shelley and husband Dean Longgood of Mesquite, Nevada, and a step-daughter Rae and husband Jim Miller of Fonda, Iowa. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren; one sister, Florence Eckhoff and her husband Ed of LeMars, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Stella Stender of Omaha, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews, and friends, and his beloved cat Pepi.