Rudolph Stender

Rudolph James “Jim” Stender, 91, of Custer, S.D., passed away peacefully Sept. 18, 2026, in Rapid City, S.D.
Jim spent his childhood between Custer and Edgemont, S.D. After graduating from Edgemont High School in 1953, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.  
Following his military service, Jim returned to Custer where he raised his family and became deeply involved in the community.  He dedicated many years to public service, serving as a Custer County Commissioner, working in the insurance industry and managing the Custer County Liquor Store.
Jim found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing whenever he had the chance and knew every backroad winding through the Black Hills. Some of his family’s most treasured memories were made on Sunday drives with Jim, exploring those old dirt roads and taking in the beauty of the Hills. In his retirement years he especially enjoyed early morning breakfasts, coffee and conversations with friends at local restaurants in Custer.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Helen (Rice) Stender and Henry “Bud” Stender; his brother, Richard “Dick” Stender; and his daughter, Heidi.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Judith Stender; his sister, Kathy Stender Brown Hughes of Siloam Springs, Ark.; his children, Robin Hadlock (Ed) of Golden, Colo., Dan Stender (Elizabeth) of Custer, Lisa Woldt (David) of Rapid City, Tracy Devine (Randy) of Rapid City, Deborah Bauhs (Charles) of Rapid City, Pamela Hannan of Rapid City, Linda Millsap of Rapid City and Mark Hannan (Jennifer) of Kingman, Ariz.  He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Good Samaritan Society – St. Martin Village, for the kindness, patience, compassion and exceptional care they provided to Jim during the past six years. Special thanks are also extended to Monument Health and the Hospice House for their compassionate care and support.
Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his service to his community, his appreciation of the outdoors and the many friendships he made throughout his life. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 25 at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.  Committal service will immediately follow at the Custer Cemetery.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.