Emeline C. Stender, age 85, of Albert Lea, formerly of Spring Valley, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at the St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wykoff, Minn., with the Rev. Peter Sestak officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery in Wykoff.

Emeline Hemker was born on July 24, 1916, in Pleasant Grove, Olmsted County, the daughter of Martin and Hulda (Sabatke) Hemker. She attended school in Stewartville, Chatfield and Wykoff. After school she worked in LaCrosse, Wis., at the county farm as a cook.

On March 25, 1942, she was married to Raymond Stender in Chicago, Ill. Emeline then worked as a homemaker and for many businesses in Wykoff. Raymond died in 1998. Emy faithfully served her Lord by feeding his people at home, at church, and at the Forest Inn in Wykoff. Emy peacefully departed for her heavenly home after a joyous celebration of Christmas with her grandchildren. She was a longtime member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church for over 60 years.

She is survived by two daughters: Sandra (Richard) Chapman of Albert Lea, and Donna (Steven) Retter of Woodbury, Minn.; grandchildren: Debra Chapman of Glendale, Ariz., Brent (Richelle) Chapman of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Wade Chapman of St. Cloud, Brian Chapman of Minneapolis, Juliana and Benjamin Retter of Woodbury; one sister, Irene (Donald) Lambert of Alexandria, Minn.; and also several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one brother, Leonard Hemker; and one sister, Lillian Hemker.

Special thanks to the community of Wykoff, whose lasting love and support was greatly appreciated by Emy, and to the staff and residents of Senior Towers and St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. today, Dec. 30, at Thauwald Funeral Home in Spring Valley, and also one hour prior to services at the church.

Thauwald Funeral Home in Spring Valley is in charge of arrangements.