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BORN
1947
DIED
2021
Thomas Stender Obituary
Born in Minneapolis, MN on August 17, 1947, he was the son of the late Aldon Stender and Elaine (Griep) Stender. He grew up in Wayzata, MN and then attended Lake Forest College in IL where he majored in English. Tom continued his education at the University of Buffalo, completing his doctorate in English. Soon after, he began to express his creativity in another medium-creating custom wood furniture. In addition to his career as a woodworker and craftsman, he designed mass-production home furnishings, taught English and design, and turned his avid love of Apple products into work as an instructor at the Apple Store. Tom was a proud dad to his two daughters, always supporting their pursuits whether that meant buying an extra set of math textbooks to help with homework questions for one daughter, supporting the amateur curling of the other, driving boats to regattas, or editing papers and cover letters.
Tom retired in 2015 to spend time on his favorite pastimes: rowing, photography, completing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily, drinking strong coffee (always taken black and many times throughout the day), cooking, rowing out of the Asheville Rowing Club where he was an active member, and spending time with his family and friends.
Tom is survived by his daughters, Liz Cheron and her husband Dan, and Abby Stender, his sisters Kay Rains and Carol Stender, and his two grandchildren, Jack and Kate Cheron. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Asheville Rowing Club, Inc. P.O. Box 5633, Asheville, NC 28813 with a note "in memory of Tom."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Stender
6 Entries
Tami Kegley
August 13, 2023
Just learned of Tom's passing. We (Charles Kegley and I) were colleagues in the world of fine craft, often finding ourselves at the same juried shows. Tom was an inspiration. His work was incredible and he was very kind. Sending condolences.
Justin Fain
August 7, 2023
I worked with Tom at Apple in Greensboro, NC. So smart, talented, and witty, it was a joy to work with him and I´m glad I knew him.
John Barnes
October 29, 2022
We at Apple Friendly Center just learned of this recently. We have missed Tom since he retired and think of him often and fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jacob Albarella
December 6, 2021
This breaks my heart. Tom was a wonderful co-worker and the perfect next-door neighbor. He was remarkably talented. His furniture was spectacular. Mostly, he was a kind and generous man that I think of fondly. He will be missed.
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Lauren Clayton
August 29, 2021
Your father and I always had so much fun at Adelaide together, drawing/ looking for the art supplies or looking through the Bauhaus books that would bring from the library. I will never forget how silly he was with with me or the other residents. I am truly deeply sorry for your loss.
Susan Meyer Young
August 11, 2021
To Tom´s daughters, please accept my sincere sympathy as you mourn the passing of your father. Tom was an important part of my college days. We camped and fished and played cards and laughed and cried together. His furniture building was exceptional and I still proudly own a small writing desk made of curly maple that he designed and created.
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