Sandra Stender

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Sandra Joan Stender was born on October 21, 1935, to Rudolph and Emma (Moeller) Schramm on a farm near Denison, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, where she remained a faithful lifelong member. Sandra attended a country school before graduating from Denison High School with the Class of 1953. She continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College, completing the two-year teaching program and earning her teaching certificate. She then taught elementary school in Gowrie for three years.

On June 15, 1958, Sandra was united in marriage to Curtis Stender at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Their marriage was blessed with four children: David, James, Susan, and Lisa. Early in their marriage, Curtis was stationed in Korea while serving his country. Following his return, the couple made their home in Iowa City for one year before moving to the Stender family farm. Sandra devoted herself to raising their children, creating a warm and loving home, preparing countless meals for her family, and instilling strong values and character in each of them. In 2001, Sandra and Curtis moved to Denison.

Sandra was an active member of the Zion Ladies Aid beginning in 1967 and participated in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML). She especially looked forward to attending regional and national LWML conventions for more than 30 years. Sandra had a wide variety of interests and hobbies. She belonged to the Crawford County Collectors Club and proudly maintained more than 30 collections. For over 15 years, she gathered with her siblings and their spouses to enjoy supper together every Friday night. She also loved square dancing. Sandra enjoyed crafting, tatting, and playing cards with family and friends. She and Curtis spent many winters in Texas, where she would ride her bicycle, swim, and escape the Iowa winters.

Above all else, Sandra's greatest joy was her family. She loved babysitting her grandchildren, cherished every opportunity to hold her baby great-grandchildren, and simply adored babies. Whether through everyday moments or special gatherings, Sandra treasured the time spent with those she loved.

Sandra passed away at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs at the age of 90 years, nine months and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Elizabeth (Ray) Lownes, Wilbert (Bonnie) Schramm, Walter (Shirley) Schramm and Ruth (Willard) Thompson; son-in-law, James Krupicka; and brother-in-law, John England.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Curtis Stender; four children: David (Karen) Stender, James (April) Stender, Susan Krupicka and Lisa (Louis) Scheuring; 10 grandchildren: Mark (Chelsea) Stender, Michael (Adria) Stender, Shelby Stender (Tyler Fangman), Jordan Stender, James (Tabitha) Krupicka, Haley Krupicka (Jovon) Miller, Austin Scheuring (Paula Bekkerus), Collin Scheuring, Derek Scheuring and Brody Scheuring (Emily Bahnsen); great-grandchildren: Alan, Jameson, Heidi, Aaron and Harvey; sister-in-law, Mary England; many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment will follow in the Morgan Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church Restoration and Renovation.