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Kevin Matthias Stender

1950 - 2023

BORN

1950

DIED

2023

Kevin Stender Obituary

Kevin Matthias Stender

March 6, 1950-January 11, 2023

Love you Dad.

"You're my buddy, you're my pal."

Kevin Stender was born on March 6, 1950 in Clinton, Iowa to Matt and Mary (Ranson) Stender. Kevin graduated from St. Joseph's High School in DeWitt, IA, before attending St. Ambrose College and then obtaining his Masters of Arts from Marycrest College in Davenport, IA. He was an educator of young minds for 37 years, teaching Literature for 30 years at Bettendorf Middle School in Iowa and 7 years at Las Vegas Junior High Schools. During his tenure at Bettendorf Middle School, Kevin was the head coach for the football, basketball, and baseball teams - he was passionate about coaching youth, including his sons. Kevin was an avid fan of "his" Iowa Hawkeye's collegiate football team and cherished many memories or watching and attending games.

He is loved and missed by his three children: Ahna (BreAnna) Stender of Las Vegas, NV; Reid Stender of Manhattan, NY; and Nick Stender of Las Vegas, NV; and his brothers Craig Stender of Littleton, CO and Loren Stender of Lost Nation, IA and sister Renee Stender of Moline, IL.

Funeral arrangements or other services to be determined at a later date.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Mary Stender.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Quad-City Times on Jan. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Stender

14 Entries

Patricia McDonnell Gebhardt

April 7, 2023

I first met Kevin in the 4th grade when we were both students at St. Ann's Catholic School in Grand Mound, IA. My family had just moved to the DeWitt/Grand Mound, IA area after my father left active duty with the Navy in Pensacola, FL.
I remember him as being very athletic--always ready to play baseball on the street between the church and school. He was really sharp with Math, too. I remember wishing he would help me figure out some of the concepts--I was just to shy to ask him for help.
When my father died in an airplane accident while on a training mission with the Navy, Kevin was the only one who asked me how I was doing. We were 10 years old then, but I'll never forget that.
After 8th grade, I went to public high school and Kevin went to St. Joseph's high school in DeWitt, IA. I saw him only in church on Sundays.
I left the area to finish college and I didn't ever see him again until the summer of 1974, when I happened to pass him at a dance in Mt. Joy, IA. I called out to him, but he didn't hear me.
I moved to Germany when I married, thus I never saw him again. I tried to find him and other school friends around 2012, but was unsuccessful. I asked other classmates at reunions, but no one I asked knew where he was. I regret not having found him. I would have liked to catch up with him.
Now all there is to say is, may he rest in peace! I'm sure he will be missed by his family and his many friends. God bless!

Elizabeth Fox

March 28, 2023

I was a student at Bettendorf Middle School with Mr. Stender as our teacher. Mr. Stender taught more than literature. In the lunchroom, Mr. Stender encouraged me to eat my vegetables, and he always stayed in great shape. I remember I would go to school early and shoot basketball in the school gym. I wish I had such good influences in my life today! I might pick up a basketball again, after thinking about those days at Middle School. Thank you, Mr. Stender. Rest in peace.

Bill and Barb McGaffigan

February 19, 2023

Our 4 daughters had Mr. Stender at Bettendorf Middle. He was a special teacher/coach, and we are grateful that his decency, fairness, and encouraging attitude made such an impression on our girls. He lives on in the memories and lives of all his former students...
With deepest sympathies,
Bill and Barb McGaffigan

Warren Tunwall

February 7, 2023

I'm very sorry for your loss. I had your Dad for class at Bettendorf Middle school in 1973-74. I always thought he was a good teacher and a good guy, and enjoyed teaching. I just happened to think about him the other day!

Tom Luton

January 29, 2023

I worked and coached with Kevin for over 20 years at Bettendorf. He was quietly generous and encouraging with all. He always outcoached me! He gave me good help on staying fit.
RIP Kevin

Julianne Kout

January 25, 2023

The Stender Family,
May I send you my deepest sympathy.
I learned only today about your Father's passing. I admired him greatly. You must be even more prouder of his devotion he has left to you, his students, family. Great memories along with fellow classmate's being taught by him.
At Bettendorf
"Middle School".
R.I.P Mr. Stender

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace". Amen.

Sincerely,

Julianne Welsh Kout

Tim Gillin

January 21, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Susan Castro

January 21, 2023

Our condolences to Kevin's family. I taught with Kevin at BMS for many years. He was always positive, resourceful, and had a great sense of humor. "Mr. Stender" was popular with his students and well liked by the BMS staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family .
Susan and Paul Castro

Tete Long

January 20, 2023

Good athlete, good teacher, good coach, and good human. RIP Kevin.

Michael Curta

January 20, 2023

So sorry to hear of the passing of Kevin "Mr. Stender" I had him as a teacher at Bettendorf Middle School too many years ago to count (the 70's). I am thankful for his guidance which helped shape my life. Thank you and RIP Mr. Stender.

Michael Curta
Aurora, CO

Logan Callahan

January 20, 2023

RIP! Kevin was a teacher of mine when I went through BMS! He was 1 of my favorites there! His outlook on life and the way he taught his class was fun! I will certainly remember he had to have his chewing gum! LOL! My prayers to the entire Stender Family!

Julie Guidebeck

January 19, 2023

My deepest sympathies to Ahna, Reid and Nick, as well as the whole family. May God strengthen all of you with His comfort and peace during these difficult days.
Your cousin, Julie (Knutsen) Guidebeck

Scott Toole

January 19, 2023

Sad to see this...fun memories of Coach Stender in the 1980s...in middle school, games of pick up basketball after school and high fives in the hallway. And then Fresh/Soph baseball...conference champs sophomore year...RIP coach...

Steve J Boyer

January 19, 2023

So sorry for your loss. May he RIP

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