Timothy R. Stender, age 45, of Norwood Young America passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Funeral service 3:00 PM Friday June 16, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood Young America. Visitation held AT THE CHURCH 4-8:00 PM Thursday and Friday one hour prior to the service. Interment in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Tim’s family invites those who have farm tractors or trucks to drive them to the church the day of the funeral.
Timothy Ryan Stender was born April 8, 1978 in Waconia, MN, the son of John and Annette (Kellermann) Stender. He attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Norwood Young America and Mayer Lutheran High School before graduating from Central High School in Norwood Young America. He continued his education at North Dakota College of Science, completing the John Deere Ag Tech program. On September 24, 2011 Tim was united in marriage to Amy Gregg at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood Young America.
In his early years, Tim was a lifeguard and swim instructor. He was a member of the FFA and proudly achieved Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. After completing his education, Tim started working for John Deere in Belle Plaine before pursuing dairy farming full-time. He was passionate about cattle especially registered Holsteins, and building his Meadow Marsh Holstein herd. Tim was a member of the America Dairy Association and the Holstein Association, on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Holstein Association, as well as many other associations related to farming. His involvement in these organizations awarded him many relationships from across the county.
Faith, family and community were the guideposts in Tim’s life. He was an usher at St. John’s Lutheran Church and enjoyed mentoring local youth. Tim was an incredible optimist and made putting others before himself a priority. He was always available to listen and lend a helping hand. He left a lasting mark in the hearts of those who knew him and will be dearly missed.
Tim was preceded in death by his grandparents Albert and Hilma Kellerman, Edwin CF and Emma Stender; uncles and aunts Tim Schindler, Lila and Harry Norman.
Tim is survived by his loving family: daughter Cassandra Stender; parents John and Annette Stender of Norwood Young America; brothers and sister Daniel Stender of Norwood Young America, Anthony Stender of Omaha, NE, Andrew (Amy) Stender of Amery, WI; Jenna (Zac) Templeman of Mayer, special friend Robin Rossbach of Robbinsdale; nephews and niece Aidan Templeman, Jolee Templeman, Wesley Stender; former spouse Amy Gregg; aunts and uncles Allan (Bonnie) Kellerman, Karen Schindler, Willard (Kathryn) Stender, Kathleen (Frank) Adamich, Earl Stender, Marie (David) Wickenhauser; many cousins, godson Kolby Lindemann and friends.