John Zender

John Fredrick Zender was born February 9, 1926, on the family farm near Butterfield. He was the son of Andrew and Magdelina (Rathman) Zender. John grew up in the Butterfield area where he graduated from high school. On October 10, 1946, John was united in marriage to Ardyce Gustafson in St. James. The couple made their home in the Butterfield area. John worked at Butterfield Produce Company for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1969. He then began farming which he did until 1986. John was a life long member of St. James Catholic Church . John enjoyed motorcycling, he and Ardyce loved taking motorcycle trips around the Country. He also enjoyed doing yard work, photography and spending time with his family. John was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Ardyce Zender of Butterfield, children; Carol (Steven) Wentzlaff of Butterfield, Susan (Allan) Cassidy of Park Rapids, John Peter (Wanda) Zender of Mankato, David Zender of Mankato, sisters; Marian Smith of St. James, Sally Jonson of St. James, grandchildren; Sarah Bell, Joanna Wentzlaff-Mitchell, Philip Sandbo, Adam Sandbo, Ana Helget, Nathan Zender, John M. Zender, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and a sister. First Visitation 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Second Visitation 9:30 am - 10:30 am Wednesday, April 10, 2013 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Wednesday, April 10, 2013 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery- St. James East of town on CR 27 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081