James Karl Stendal

James (Jamie) Karl Stendal, age 49, passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2023. Born on April 24, 1974 in Edina, MN, Jamie suffered a brain injury at birth resulting in severe physical limitations and was a quadriplegic throughout his life, with speech limited to a few words. However, Jamie's life was a testament to the adage that success and happiness in life are not determined by the cards you are dealt, but rather by how well you play the cards you were given. Two of the cards in Jamie's hand were a beautiful smile and a zest for life, and he played them brilliantly. Even with his limited vocabulary he had a marvelous ability to make friends wherever he went. "Hi" and his infectious smile was always a winning hand! Jamie lived with his parents for 36 years in Minnetonka and then Eden Prairie. He graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1996. In 2010 Jamie moved into a Homeward Bound group home in St. Louis Park when his parents could no longer meet his health care needs in their home. He loved it so much at Webster House that his mother had to be reminded that it was actually a good thing that Jamie was ready to live semi-independently, and he thrived there. He also enjoyed going to his Monday-Friday 'job' at Midwest Special Services in Brooklyn Park. Special thanks to: David and Nancy Gilbert, who were Jamie's personal care attendants for many years; Scott and Lorie Noland, who accompanied Jamie to Arizona earlier this year to visit his parents at their winter home; the staff at Homeward Bound and Midwest Special Services; the many devoted volunteers, family, and friends who provided in-home therapy to Jamie; and Courage Center and Gillette Children's Clinics. Jamie was preceded in death by his grandparents, Pastor Karl Stendal and Christine (Johnson) Stendal, and Robert Smith and Ruth (Morrison) Smith. He is survived by his parents, David and Sharon Stendal; brothers, Christopher (Sandra), Lance (Stephanie), Brandon (Michele); nieces and nephews, Mitchell (Andrea), Cassandra (Charles Houghton), Andrew (April), Emma, Ella, Olivia, and Ava; great-nieces, Maren and Kaija; and many aunts and uncles and cousins. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 24th, from 4-7 PM, at Washburn-McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel. The funeral service will take place the following day at 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Plymouth Covenant Church, 4300 Vicksburg Lane N, Plymouth. Interment to follow at 2 PM at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Homeward Bound, Midwest Special Services, or Plymouth Covenant Church in Jamie's honor. Jamie's life may not have been easy or perfect, but it was extraordinary, filled with love, laughter, joy, and a strong faith in his Lord. His unforgettable smile and joyful spirit should serve to remind us all of the joy, love and worth that can be found in every life, regardless of its challenges.

Tributes

James Karl Stendal

April 24, 1974 - July 16, 2023

Tributes

James Karl Stendal

April 24, 1974 - July 16, 2023

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