In loving memory of

Kathleen M. "Kathy" Stender
March 13, 1947 - July 11, 2020

Kathleen M. "Kathy" Stender, 73, of Monmouth, Iowa, passed away on Saturday morning, July 11, 2020, at Westwing Place in DeWitt, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10 A.M., Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.

Kathleen Marie Widel was born on March 13, 1947 in Van Nuys, California to Paul and Mary (Shultz) Widel. She graduated from Myrtle Creek High school in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. She married Ronald Dale Stender on April 9, 1966 in Monmouth, Iowa. People said they were too young and it wouldn't work, but it did for 54 wonderful years. Three children were born to this union, Steven, John and Dianna.

Upon moving to Iowa, "Kathy" started working for Haye's Café and the Green Mill Café. For over 30 years she had been employed with the Midland Community School District working as cook, teacher's aide and custodian. She was a mentor to many staff and students and was loved by all.

"Kathy" was a member of the Monmouth Faith United Methodist Church. She enjoyed crocheting, baking and had decorated 100's of cakes. She loved her family and grandchildren more than anything.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Ronald Stender of Monmouth, IA; children, Steve (Kathy) Stender of Washington, IA, John (Jennifer) Stender of Baldwin, IA, and Dianna (Jeremy) Dunlavey of Ankeny, IA; 8 grandchildren, Ty, Derek and Curtis Stender, Sydney and Lane Stender, Makenna, Emma and Michael Dunlavey; and siblings, Karen (Tom) Schwenker of Maquoketa, IA, Mary Smith of Atlanta, GA, Paul (Millie) Widel of Maquoketa, IA, Elizabeth (J.R.) Lind of Camanche, IA, and Janice (Paul) Russell of DeWitt, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Carlyle and Nellie Stender.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Kathleen M. "Kathy" Stender memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Harry Shady &Audra Martin wrote on Jul 17, 2020:

"Pur Thoughts & PRAYERS With- Mom\'s Family !! R I P- Kathy ?? Harry Shady &Audra Martin "

Jim and Lin Heinrich wrote on Jul 16, 2020:

"Kathy will surely be missed by all who knew her. Sending many thoughts and much love to Ronnie and family! Jim, Lin, Katie and Ryan"

Judy Dague wrote on Jul 16, 2020:

"God Bless Kathy, she was a special lady, Heartfelt Sympathies to Ronnie and his families, ?"

Judy and Dale Kinion wrote on Jul 16, 2020:

"Sorry to hear about Kathy. Condolences to the family. She is home free now, free of pain and suffering."

Jerry and LouAnn Hora wrote on Jul 15, 2020:

"Sending our sincere sympathy to the entire Stender family. Jerry and LouAnn Hora and family"

Joyce Tracy wrote on Jul 14, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss Ron. We have many memories to cherish with Kathy. She was a wonderful friend and will be missed by many."

Andrea Foley wrote on Jul 14, 2020:

"I?m so sorry for your loss. Andrea Foley"

Gay Storlie wrote on Jul 14, 2020:

"Ron and family! So very sorry to hear about Kathy?s passing. We worked together at the Green Mill Cafe about a hundred years ago.. when we were kids .. such great memories! Gay Storlie "

Ken Davison wrote on Jul 14, 2020:

"Steve, I\'m sorry for the loss of your mother. My condolences and prayers to you and your family."

Elaine A. Luett wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"John and Family, Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. We will always remember the good times we had together as 4-H families at the county fair. So happy that Kathy could enjoy her grandchildren take part in recent years. She left us too soon but cherish the memories and special moments you all shared together."

Linda Behne wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"My deepest sympathy-prayers for the whole family."

Steve & Cindy Daniels wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"Stender Family, So sorry to hear of Kathy\'s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Patti wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"Sad news..thoughts & prayers "

Connie Bonney wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"I was sorry to hear of Kathy\'s passing, She was a true fighter to the very end. Kathy was a person of many wonders- she was there as a friend when you needed one, a wonderful cook and baker and a person that never gave up in hard times..To all the family of Kathy, know i am thinking of you all and yes- God did gain a great angel for sure, i am sure she is up there now whipping up one of her famous pecan pies."

Randy and Vickie Kuhlman wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"So very sorry to hear this Ron, hugs and prayers for all your family."

Bev and Denny Carstensen wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"Our sympathy an prayers are with all of you ???? may the angels hold her close we\'ve lost a wonderful soul. May the love and strength of all those around all of you help you through this very sad time. "

Jody wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"Sorry for everyone\'s loss. Kathy was a great lady, wonderful friend and an excellent baker. She will be missed by all"

Louise wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"Kathy was a wonderful person. Enjoyed our walks so much "

Louise and Bill Nicodemus wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss she was sure a sweet woman and made the best wedding cakes she will be missed "

Carmen wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"So so sorry to hear this news, such a great gal. Love and prayers to Ronnie and family from Steve and Carmen Streets family."

Sandy Antons wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. It was my pleasure to meet and work with Kathy when we both worked at the Monmouth school. Such a wonderful woman. She will be missed. "

Angel Schiffer wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"Thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time. Take comfort in knowing Kathy is safe in the arms of our Lord God. "

Donna Koppes wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the entire family. Carl and Donna Koppes "

Mary jo geerts wrote on Jul 13, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss prayers to the family"

Shelia Gatts wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"My Deepest Sympathies to Ron and family! I worked with Kathy for years at Midland..such a sweet lady."

Cindy Meyer wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"So very sorry to hear of Kathy?s passing. Keeping you all in my thoughts prayers ??"

Jody Tracy - Clasen wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"Sending thoughts and prayers to all. So sorry for your loss. ?"

Rich Ginn wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss Ron! Kathy was such a kind and caring lady! My condolences to you and your family!"

Jim & Gabi Nolan wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"Ronnie & family, so sorry for your loss. Kathy was a wonderful person. Many memories from years back. Our prayers are with you. Jim & Gabi Nolan"

Bob & Jodene Berggren wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss but her pain is now over. Hold many good memories close in your hearts"

Milo and Laurel Baker wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss!! Prayers for comfort and peace!!"

Janene Shannon wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss Ron Prayers to you and your family"

Adrian & Bonnie Browne wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"To Kathy\'s family and friends. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Kathy was such a lovely lady."

Rhonda Bickford wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"My sympathies to Ronnie and family, I enjoyed the times we walked together "

Wendy Meade Scott wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"We are so sorry yet relieved that Kathy\'s battle is now behind her and her family. It is so difficult seeing someone you love suffer for so long. This world has lost a kind beautiful soul but heaven has truly gained an angel. Our prayers are with you Ronnie and your family. Denny and Wendy Scott"

Elizabeth Lind wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"Dear sister I?ll never be able to fill the empty space in my heart you?ve left. I?ll probably still reach for the phone to call you to ask you about a recipe or advice on something or just to talk. You were a beautiful soul and I was blessed to call you my sister?? I?ll know you?re close when I see beautiful flowers or taste a delicious dish or laugh at a hysterical joke. You were truly A good friend not just my sister. I?ll will miss venting to each other so we could have a better day. Love you always dear Kathy?? "

Cherie wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"Ahhhhhh Kathy, you can rest now, we will all miss you very much and we will also take care of the one who loved you most. Ronnie I feel your loss more than you know. All my love Cherie Short "

Judy Dague wrote on Jul 12, 2020:

"Heartfelt sympathies to Ronnie and all of the families, ??"