Charlotte "Shotty" Stende

Charlotte “Shotty” Stende, 84, of Mayville, ND died Thursday, July 19, 2012 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND, surrounded by family who prayed the prayers she taught them. She died on the same day of her dear departed husband’s birthday. Shotty was born on a farm near Wyndmere, ND to Christian and Lena (Mitskog) Odegard on August 25, 1927. She graduated from Wyndmere High School in 1945 and attended Moorhead State Teacher’s College (MSTC), then Valley City State Teacher’s College, Valley City, ND. Where she obtained her teaching certificate. She taught country school in Garberg Township, near Wyndmere, until her marriage to Sylve Stende on June 6th, 1948. Together, they farmed near Wyndmere until 1955. At that time, they moved to Flom, MN where they owned and operated the Flom Red Owl and Locker Plant. In 1968 they sold the business and moved to Mayville, ND and operated Sy’s Red Owl until his retirement in 1982. Shotty was passionate about working with the public and continued to work beyond Sy’s retirement for Lee’s Super Value, Mayville, ND until her retirement at the age of 78 years. She retired to be the primary caregiver for Sy after he suffered a debilitating stroke. After much care, love, and constant advocacy for the love of her life, he died on Dec. 31st, 2007. In 2008, Shotty moved to the Good Samaritan Assisted Living Center in south Fargo, to be near family. On June 18th, 2012 she suffered a stroke and had several episodes of declining health until her death on July 19th. Shotty is known for her generosity, candor, and compassion. Her hobbies have included anything and everything having to do with her family, entertaining friends and family, dancing at the Mayville VFW, photography, and face to face social networking long before it went viral. She has used any and all excuses to gather a group of friends and family always highlighting someone for their special occasion. Shotty was the consummate hostess. Her warm infectious smile and the twinkle in her eye were welcoming. She made working alongside her husband in their shared business look like fun. Shotty loved constant motion and was persistent and tenacious in everything she took on. She had a special relationship and pride for each and every family member and kept in close touch with all of them. Shotty’s memories are survived, cherished, and loved by her 5 children, Rodney (Kathy) Stende of Escanaba, MI, Gary (Maggie) Stende of Fargo, ND, Susan Klabo (Gordon) Klassen of Mentor, MN, Peggy (Mike) Fugleberg of St. Paul, MN and David (Tonya) Stende of Fargo, ND; and one special niece, Eileen (Ron) Holte of Thompson, ND. Also surviving are her precious 13 grandchildren, Eric, Jeff, Joanna, Kristine, Katie, Amanda, Kerry, Michael, Jill, Landon, Chelsea, Thomas and Hannah; 6 great-grandchildren, Dillion, Maximus, Elizabeth, Chloe, Shelby Charlotte, Weston Sy, and Michael; sister, Sally Carlson of Fergus Falls, MN; sisters-in-law, Muriel Meyer of Moorhead, MN and Betty Stende of Christine, ND; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Sylve (Sy) Stende; sister, Elizabeth Hendricks; and brother, Theodore Odegard. Memorials are preferred to Mayville Lutheran Church. Visitation: Will be on Sunday, July 22, 2012 from 3 ~ 5 PM with a 5 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Monday, July 23, 2012 at the Mayville Lutheran Church in Mayville, ND. Burial: Mayville City Cemetery, Mayville, ND.