Morel “Bud” Stientjes

Morel “Bud” Stientjes, of Defiance, MO, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, and having enjoyed 89-wonderful years of life. He is survived by his one-true-love, whom he married in 1968, Elaine (Christensen) Stientjes and his three children, Holly (Stientjes) Hamilton, Rob Stientjes, and Jeff Stientjes. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Ethan Hamilton, Andrew Hamilton, Alex Stientjes, and Tony Stientjes; his sister, Muriel (Stientjes) Faulkes; his son-in-law, Todd Hamilton; and numerous beloved nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his Father, Micheal Stientjes; Mother, Clara (Dykstra) Stientjes; and brother, Michael Stientjes.

Bud spent his formative years hunting, fishing, and adventuring in Northwest Iowa (towns of Alvord, Hull, & Sheldon) with his father, brother, cousins, uncles, & friends. Bud loved to tell stories of simple pleasures, strange events, and honest folks that decorated small-town life in the 1930's & 1940's. Some of his most entertaining stories involved volunteering for junior corps on the WWII home front, rodeo riding calves on the farm, and bumper sledding across town. Needless-to-say, Bud had a real good childhood.

After moving to Des Moines, Bud attended Drake University and worked at Massey-Ferguson & Allied Group Insurance. He was also a member of the U.S. Naval Reserves. Fishing & hunting with co-workers and painting farm & wildlife scenes became his passions. Bud remained geographically and emotionally close to his Mother and sister. He got married and, then, raised his children with strong Midwestern moral values and in safe surroundings.

Bud packed-up the family in 1988 and moved to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase the Hickory Grove Resort, a 13-cabin family vacation resort originally built in the 1930's where he helped to create family memories for lucky guests. Bud formed special bonds with some loyal guests who returned multiple times per year, every year to enjoy the fishing, scenery, and friendship. While he served as proprietor, Bud made numerous improvements and restorations to the landscape and buildings. His children appreciated the special privileges of waterskiing, jet skiing, boating, and socializing that came from Bud owning the resort. Bud sold his charming-little resort in 1996 and watched, with a tear-in-his-eye, as his little cabins made-way for expensive lakefront housing.

Bud and his wife enjoyed 20 years of retirement living at the Lake of the Ozarks. They made many memories traveling to see family, friends, and places of interest. Visits from children and grandchildren were enthusiastically welcomed. Bud rediscovered his loves of painting and woodworking. Paintings, decorations, and toys were created in his shop/studio for his family and charities. Bud especially appreciated the companionship of his trusty wiener dog, Maynard, with whom he watched countless scenic sunsets.

When time began to catch-up to him, Bud moved to a farmhouse near Defiance, Missouri to be closer to his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren never allowed Bud a moment of loneliness or boredom, yet it was they who truly were rewarded by his presence. With his grandchildren, Bud enjoyed rides through the woods on his UTV, casual evenings on his screened porch, outings to restaurants, working on mechanics projects, watching movies, and--of course--fishing.

Even as his health failed him, Bud maintained a positive outlook and sharp mind. When he finally passed, the world lost a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His was a long life well-lived free of missed opportunity and regret. Bud was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Bud's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.