Dale Lee (Whitey) Fender 1935 - 2017

NORHNBERG, FENDER, MILLER, SCHMIDT

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-volunteer (email)
Date: 4/11/2017 at 19:04:17

Onawa Democrat
29 March 2017

Dale Lee (Whitey) Fender passed away peacefully on March 18 after a long battle with dementia. He was born on June 7, 1935 in Onawa, IA. He was the third of four sons born to Leslie and Henrietta (Norhnberg) Fender. As a young man, Whitey worked as a baker in his home town of Onawa. He worked for Snyder’s Bakery for 23 years, six days a week and only missed one day of work. He was married to Wilma Miller and together they raised their three children; Barbara, Mike and Dave. Later, he became a farmer raising cattle and a crop damage insurance adjuster. He also enjoyed his local Eagles Lodge where he bartended, dealt cards and made many friends.

Whitey met his future wife and business partner, Mary Louise (Schmidt) Bonneson, in Tekamah, NE in 1978. Two years later he moved to Napa when they were married on December 31, 1980 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Napa. He then became “Dad” to Mary’s children; Jeanne, Jim and Joanne.

Both Whitey and Mary were income tax preparers, became Enrolled Agents, and in 1984 started their own income tax business, Fender Tax Service. Over the years they served hundreds of clients, many of whom became good friends. Whitey retired in 2005 after 21 years meeting and greeting clients that he truly enjoyed working for. He was known for his ready smile, great sense of humor and easy-going personality. Many clients will remember the famous “Whitey Nod” while getting their taxes done!

Fishing was his favorite pastime. Whether it was the Napa River, Cuttings Wharf with the grandkids or on the San Pablo Bay with his buddy, Neil Yepson, he enjoyed it all. On one occasion, they hooked a sturgeon estimated at over 7 feet long. Fortunately, as they were preparing to release the huge fish, a Coast Guard boat came by and snapped a photo of Whitey and Neil with the fish alongside of their boat before it was released as proof to their fishing story. Whitey and Mary also enjoyed many trips to the casinos with their friends over the years. Playing cards, the slots and the lottery were great fun for him because he was always the lucky winner in the family.

Whitey is survived by his wife, Mary Fender, his youngest brother Bert (Shirley) Fender, daughter Barbara (Les) Ross and sons Mike Fender and Dave (Kathy) Fender, all of Onawa, IA. He also leaves behind his stepchildren Jeanne (Jerry) Giovannoni of Napa, Jim (Patti) Bonneson of College Station, TX and Joanne Riella of Sonoma, who adopted Whitey as their dad many years ago. His many grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss him dearly. He loved playing with the grandkids. To them, Grandpa Whitey is a legend in the jokes, tricks, games and fun department and their memories will last a lifetime. The wonderful sense of humor, laughter, stories and smiles he has left with us all is surely his greatest legacy. Whitey’s caregivers at Stayman Estates became extended family and were kindhearted and compassionate in their care of him. His family also wishes to acknowledge the wonderful Collabria Hospice Team for their care and support during this time. Whitey will be deeply missed by his families in Onawa and Napa. And now he has left us to get back to some long overdue fishing with Neil.

A Celebration of Whitey’s life and reception will be held next month on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Tulocay Chapel at 1:00 pm. All are invited to attend and share another Whitey story.

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen