Rodney James Stender

Rodney James Stender, 57, of  Houghton Lake passed away on Thursday March 5, 2026 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Rod was born on December 5, 1968 in Garden City, Michigan to James and Carol (Atwood) Stender. He moved with his parents to Prudenville at a young age.  Rod grew up and spent all his life in the Houghton Lake area Where he graduated from Houghton Lake Community Schools.  He went on to attend Delta College and Northwestern Michigan College. Rod owned and operated Airway Painting for many years. On August 14, 2010 in Houghton Lake Rod was married to Misty Ann Ratza. Rod was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.  He enjoyed golfing, bowling, traveling, and especially spending time with friends and family.

Surviving Rodney Stender are his loving wife of 15 years, Misty Ann Stender of Houghton Lake; three daughters, Rachel Stender of Frankenmuth, Nichole(Larry) Jones Saylor of Houghton Lake, and Paige(Hayden) Lewis Wilson of Prudenville; four grandchildren, Christian Saylor, Layla Saylor, Bentley Wilson, and Royce Wilson; brother, Russell Stender of FL.  Rodney was preceded in death by his parents.  

Funeral Services for Rodney James Stender will be conducted at  1:00pm Tuesday March 10, 2026 from Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel with Pastor Paul Kruse officiating. Interment will be in Roscommon Township Cemetery, Houghton Lake. Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 10, 2026 from 11:00am until the time of the service at 1:00pm from Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel.  Memorial contributions in memory of Rod are asked to be directed to the family. Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

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