Elden G. Stender's Obituary
Elden G. Stender, devoted husband and beloved father, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2014. Elden leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Marilyn and his toe sons Bruce Stender (Marilyn) of Rohnert Park, California and Eugene Stender (Amy) of Milwaukee, Oregon. His daughters Susan Stender and Carol Stender-Larkin preceded him in death. He was an amazing role model and loving grandfather to six grandchildren, Michael Stender (Marissa), Nicole Stender, John (“Sparky”), Kirsten Larkin, Slater Stender, & Ethan Stender. Elden also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved their “Uncle Butch”.
Elden was born November 12, 1929 in Dent, Minnesota and came to Oregon as a child. Graduated from Oregon City High School in 1947 and Lewis and Clark College in 1951. He was a member of the champion 1950 Football team and the Hall of Fame.
Elden married Marilyn Heglin on June 8, 1951 in Vancouver, Washington. Upon discharge from the service in 1953 he began a successful career in sales, which took him to Southern California with Remington Rand Office Machines. Returned to Oregon (Lake Oswego) in 1974 and began a career in the insurance field as a partner of Stender and Howland Insurance in Milwaukee until retiring in 1997.
Elden really enjoyed boating and as a longtime member of Rose City Yacht Club, he logged many miles sailing the beautiful waters of the Pacific Northwest on the “Marilyn J” and on the Randall’s “Onnie”. Elden and Marilyn also traveled on many cruises where he enjoyed playing bridge while exploring various parts of the world. Spending time with family was a great joy to him, traveling to the East Coast or across town supporting the activities of his children and grandchildren, cheering them on as they played sports. Elden enjoyed sharing his love of sailing, gardening, and singing praises to God in whom he had tremendous faith, love, and trust.
Elden was a caring, thoughtful, talented, humorous, and loving man who meaningfully touched the lives of both family and many close friends. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he so positively impacted.
Private interment was held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon on April 30, 2014.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Grace Lutheran Church in Scappoose, Oregon.
If desired, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Grace Lutheran Church or to the charity close to your heart in his name.
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