Stella J. Brendtro

Stella was born June 21, 1915, on a farm north of Crooks, SD, to parents Hjalmer and Christina (Johnson) Benson. She attended Trobak and Kickland rural schools and Crooks High School and graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1933. She died on October 31, 2010, at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls.

Stella married A. Lincoln Brendtro on October 19, 1938, at Benton Lutheran Church, rural Crooks. They managed the Crooks Telephone Co. in their home from the mid 1940s to the late 1960s. During this time, Lincoln was appointed US Postmaster for Crooks, and Stella served as the postal clerk and also held a part-time position with AAA of SD. Following the death of her husband in 1973, Stella was appointed Postmaster and served in that capacity until her retirement in 1990.

A life-long member of Benton Lutheran Church, Stella was baptized and confirmed there and served as a Sunday School teacher and as a member of the church council and stewardship committees. She was a woman of great faith whose belief in the power of prayer never wavered. Stella was also a member of the Augustana College Fellows and the Crooks Optimist Club and assisted with numerous service projects in her church and community.

A sports enthusiast all of her life, Stella played on women’s softball teams, enjoyed countless games of horseshoe, and in later years enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins games on television. Bowling became her favorite pastime, and she participated in several leagues, finally retiring her bowling ball at age 88.

Stella was very proud of her Swedish ancestry. The highlight of her trip to Europe in 1985 was her 70th birthday celebration hosted by her Swedish relatives. She especially enjoyed visiting the Smaland region where her ancestors had lived. She instilled this heritage by treating her family with Swedish delicacies for holiday celebrations.

Stella was a cheerful person who put people at ease because of her hospitality and obvious interest in them. Her work in the post office was a source of great satisfaction to her in meeting and welcoming new people to the community. Countless children in Crooks loved to go visit the “post office lady.” Crooks residents of all ages considered her their friend.

Stella was a fun-loving person who was always “game to go,” whether it was dancing with Lincoln, playing cards with her siblings and their spouses, going to ball games, playing games with grandchildren and great grandchildren, or visiting friends. Stella had a sense of humor that never abandoned her. She sometimes surprised her caregivers at Dow Rummel with her witty quips.

Grandma G G was a loving mother and grandmother who took great pride in. the accomplishments of her family members, whether it was a little one reciting a Christmas piece, an older one winning an essay contest, or family members singing for a worship service.

Stella has left a legacy of love for her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Gary (Mary) Brendtro of Crooks, SD, and daughter, Kristi (Ken) Main of Brookings, SD; grandchildren, Karin (Tim) Renner, Erik Brendtro (John), Stefanie (Adam) Kennedy, and Carson Main; great-grandchildren Daniel Renner, Elizabeth Renner and Luka Kennedy; and brothers, Rudolph Benson and Harry Benson.

Stella was preceded in death by her husband Lincoln; five siblings, including sister Alma Anderson and brothers Carl Benson, Harold Benson, Leroy Benson, and infant brother Lee Benson; and her life-long friend and sister-in-law, Iola Brendtro.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 4, 10:30 a.m. at Benton Lutheran Church, Crooks, SD. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, 5-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. Memorial gifts may be directed to Benton Lutheran Church mission projects.