Norman H. Stender

Norman Henry Stender, 102, of Walcott, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Home in Davenport. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm in the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be Saturday from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, at the mortuary. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the Walcott American Legion Post #548. Memorials may be made to the Walcott Fire Department or a charitable organization of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.rungemortuary.com. Norman was born January 17, 1914 near Walcott, the son of Henry J. and Elfrieda Stender. He married Dorothy Willich on December 20, 1941; she preceded him in death on February 10, 2010. They celebrated 68 years of marriage. Mr. Stender served in the U.S. Navy for eight years and was a WWII veteran. He participated in naval operations serving on the Aircraft Carrier, Cowpens, with the Third Fleet. All action was in the Pacific Theatre. He went on the Honor Flight on April 24, 2010 with his son, Dr. N. Joseph Stender serving as his guardian. Norman retired from the Rock Island Arsenal after 45 years of service. For 34 years, he coached pony league baseball and was a volunteer for the youth baseball program. He was a member of the Walcott American Legion Post #548; the Friends Church; the Golden Wedding Club, where he had served as past president; the Walcott and Blue Grass Community Clubs and CASI. He is survived by a daughter, Sonya J. Smith, a retired school teacher from the Davenport Community School District; son, Dr. N. Joseph (Debra Ann) Stender, Elkader, IA; grandchildren: Tricia Lea Shannon; Sheldon Tate and Kiana Jo Stender; sister, Nelda Cassidy; sister-in-law, Wanda Stender, both of Walcott and nephews: Douglas, Michael, Loren and Gregory Stender. In addition to his wife and parents; he is preceded in death by a brother, Stanley E. Stender and a special nephew, Steven C. Stender. The family would like to thank everyone at the Good Samaritan Home for taking such good care of Norman. The Navy hymn, “Anchors Aweigh” will be played at the close of the service by Robyn Stender. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are: Sheldon Tate Stender, Cary Stender, Christian Stender, Craig Stender, Stewart Stender, Terry Ralfs and William Friederichs. Honorary Pallbearers are Douglas Stender, Loren Stender, Michael Stender and Gregory Stender.