George Senden

John George Senden was born February 6, 1919 in Brunssum, Holland to Frank Louis and Philomena (Caenen) Senden. In 1922 the family immigrated to his father’s birthplace in the United States and lived in Grandview Township. George was baptized in Holland and he made his first communion and confirmation in Ghent, Minnesota. He attended St Eloi Catholic elementary school. In 1933 the family returned to Holland to live, but because of war pressures, they returned to the USA in 1934. The family lived in Tyler, Minnesota before returning to their farm in the Ghent area. He attended 2 years of high school in Tyler then transferred to Marshall high school graduating in 1939. George then attended St Thomas College for two years. He entered the Army Air Force in 1941 and received his basic training at Ryan Airport in Marshall. Later the class was transferred to bases in Texas for Glider pilot training. On November 11, 1943 he was united in marriage to Vernette Carrow at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lubbock, Texas. George went overseas in 1944 and was stationed in England. He was discharged from service in December 1945. He returned to Marshall and was employed by Red Owl grocery store in Marshall followed by 35 years with the Minnesota Department of Employment Security and 20 years as manager of the Marshall office. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he held the 3rd and 4th Degree; was a Past Commander of the Marshall American legion; a life member of VFW; a Rotary member and was awarded the Rotary’s Paul Harris Award; a member of the first Holy Redeemer Parish Council, a member of the Services Corps of Retired Executives; charter member of Golden Kiwanis; and Field Director of the Minnesota Campers and Hikers Association. George enjoyed traveling. He and Vernette wintered in Arizona and Texas. In 1982 and 1983, George returned to Holland to visit relatives. His other hobbies included golf, cards, stained glass crafts and enjoying all his grand and great grand children. George died on Monday, April 14, 2008, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota. Survivors are Vernette, his wife of 64 years, two sons Thomas (Shirley A) of North Mankato and Steven (Shirley K) of Alexandria and daughter Carol (Senden) Lightstone (Robert) of Solomons, Maryland, and 7 grand children; Scott (Brenda) of Blaine, Michael (Julie) of Chaska, Mark (Karyn) of Vadnais Heights, Sherry (Dennis) Hart of Weatherford, OK, James (Lynell) of North Mankato, Stuart (Kristin) of Blaine, Stacy (fiancée Dustin) of Brooklyn Park, 15 great grand children and his brother, Anthony of Conrad Montana. George was pre-deceased by his parents and brother’s Francis and Ernest and sister Mary Nuytten (Joseph). The family thanks the tireless and compassionate staff of Auburn Manor of Chaska, Minneota Manor of Minneota and Prairie Home Hospice. Memorials may be given to Prairie Home Hospice and Holy Redeemer School Fund foundation.