John Schendel

john schendel

John C. Schendel, Sr., 75, Moorhead, passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Sanford Health.

John was born December 31, 1937 in Aurora, Illinois to Vern and Ruby (Hubin) Schendel.  As a young child the family moved to Norcross, Minnesota, where he grew up.  He graduated from Herman High School in Herman, MN and Westmar University in LeMars, Iowa with a business degree in 1958.  After graduation he married Lorraine Bengs in Reynolds, North Dakota on June 5, 1959.  The couple moved to Bismarck where he began work at Sherwin-Williams as a store manager and made their home there from 1959-1968.  They resided in Minot from 1968-1973.  They returned to Bismarck until moving to Alexandria, Minnesota in 1979 where he began working at Lampert Lumber.  John owned and operated the La Grand Resort on Lake Cowdrey near Alexandria.  He later worked as a nurse’s aide at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home.  In 2001 the couple moved to Moorhead where he worked part-time at Richard’s Tesoro.

He worked as a volunteer with the Moorhead Police Department.  He was a member of the First United Methodist choir.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; children, John Jr. (Kandy), Seattle, WA, Brian (Connie), West Fargo, ND, Jody (Nathan) Anderson, Fosston, MN; brothers, Dick (Sandi) Merino, CO, Alan (Mary) Prairie City, IA; sisters, Muriel (Arnie) Gilbertson, Apple Valley, MN, Nancy (Richard) Lloyd, Mason City, IA, Jean (Alan) Lepley, Plymouth, MN; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson.

John is preceded in death by his parents.

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  1. Moorhead MN
    Everyone from the Moorhead Police Department sends their condolenses to John’s wife Lorraine and their entire family. John volunteered almost 200 hours of his own time working as a Police Volunteer to help bring the highest level of service to the citizens of Moorhead. He certainly is appreciated and we are thankful for having had the opportunity to have such a wonderful partner! God bless him and thank you.

  2. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful man that will always be remembered fondly, especially when making cookies at Christmas.
    Zena Blom

  3. Parkers Prairei MnThe world lost a special person with John the Lord will take the best and he was that I worked with John at Knute and you could not find a better person then John . I also knew some of his family as my dad worked for Ben Schendel at Schendel garage in Deer Creek before he and my mom were married so they were special to our family we also made Jeantte out sunday school missionary when I was a kid some 65 yrs ago also knew Donna and several others My deepest Sympathy to your family Margaret Andresen

  4. Alexandria MN
    Lorraine and family, we just heard about John and want to extend our sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  5. Vadnais Heights MN
    We were sorry to learn of John’s death and are keeping Lorraine and family in our prayers along with all our Schendel cousins. Shel remembers John as his favorite camp counselor at Lake Koronis. Many fond memories of Hubin gatherings at Norcross, uncles and grandpa singing together at a church service, pot luck dinners and picnics together.
    Our sympathy and prayers for all the Schendel family.

  6. Moorhead Lorraine-
    Our deepest sympathy!
    John was amazing! He wil be missed!
    GOD bless you at this most difficult time.
    We love you!!
    xoxo

  7. Alexandria MN
    Lorraine and family,

    I am deeply saddened by John’s passing and am so sorry for your loss. I had the great pleasure of working with John at Knute Nelson. What a wonderful care- giver, co-worker, and friend. My children came to know him as “Grandpa John” when we would see him at the nursing home or go Trick-or-Treating at your home. There would always be a mint in his pocket for them. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  8. Fargo, ND
    John was my mother’s co-worker. When I would stop in we would chat and make jokes. John was always so nice and I will miss him.

    Sending prayers for his family.

  9. moorhead mnKnow that our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We will rely on our memories of John and all the great times fishing to keep him in our hearts. Catch the “Big One” John.

  10. Moorhead Minnesota
    I was shocked to learn of John’s passing when I made my regular trip to Richard’s Tesoro this morning. We shared friendly conversations and John always had a smile that matched the twinkle in his eye. He will be missed.

    Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

  11. Audubon MN
    I knew your husband/dad through work. He was such a kind, soft spoken, nice man! Always had a smile to share. I was so shocked to hear of his passing today and it really just made me so very sad.. I will miss him a lot.

    I will keep all of you in my prayers as your loss is great.

    My sincere sympathies.

  12. Lucan MN
    Lorraine & family…. so sorry to hear of John’s passing but trust there will be a wonderful ‘CELEBRATION” of his life in the days to come. Yes, John was a bit older, but fond memories of family fun at Uncle Vern’s & Aunt Ruby’s house. We will continue to uphold you and family in prayer as you travel the next days leaning on the Lord for His strength. Love to all – John & Karen

  13. Fosston MN
    I love you dad, and miss you so much. You are a great dad and friend. Tell the grandparents I say “Hi and send my love'”

  14. moorhead MINNESOTAEileen and I are in Brookings for our son’s wedding. We are sorry to miss being with you at this time. Please know you are in our prayers. I will miss him singing in my left ear on Sundays.

  15. Moorhead MnJohn had to be one of the nicest guys we have ever met! We are sure going to miss seeing him and his smile. There is a new voice in heavens choir and what a joyful noise that must be! Thoughts and prayers to all of you! Dean, Beth & Emily Larson

  16. Fargo NdI was so shocked, to hear of Johns passing.
    I sat next to him in choir this past year, and enjoyed his friendly manners and friendliness.
    My thoughts and prayers to Johns family.


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