Neal E. Sennert

Neal E. Sennert, age 86, of Alta, Iowa died Friday, August 29, 2014 at the Spencer Hospital in Spencer, Iowa. Memorial services will be Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rembrandt, Iowa. Visitation will take place Wednesday, September 3, 2014 from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Neal Edward Sennert was born January 14, 1928 in Albert City, Iowa, the son of Nicholas and Elda (Hoelscher) Sennert. He graduated from Highview Consolidated School, and after graduation, he continued his education at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. On June 13, 1947 Neal was united in marriage to Phyllis Jean Edwards in Storm Lake. Together they were blessed with five children: Patricia, Dennis, Susan, Rachel, and JoDee. Neal worked for the Boeing Corporation in the Seattle area for 33 years before retiring in Iowa. Over the years, Neal was active in his church and community. He and Phyllis were foster parents to well over 150 children and Neal served on his church councils in Washington and Linn Grove. Neal also served on the Rembrandt City Council, and was the Rembrandt Santa Claus from 2001 – 2013, playing Santa at times for Sioux Rapids and Alta children as well. Neal enjoyed spending time outdoors feeding birds, but especially loved caring for his pet cats and dogs. He also liked to garden flowers and vegetables. Most of all, Neal loved and cherished his family and the time he spent with them. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Patricia (Ray) Konecke of Renton, Washington; Dennis (Billie Jo) Sennert of Woodland, Washington; Susan (Steve) Huber of Aurora, Colorado; Rachel (Jay) Pernell of Tacoma, Washington; JoDee (Tim) Anderson of Norfolk, Nebraska; grandchildren: Amy (Brian) Mogridge of North Bend, Washington; Matt Konecke of Seattle, Washington; Chris (Melanie) Sennert of Seattle, Washington; Rich (Bridgette) Huber of Rathdrum, Idaho; Heather (Bill) Reed of Spanaway, Washington; Jason (Tara) Pernell of Puyallup, Washington; Josh (Indra) Pernell of Tacoma, Washington; Jeremy (Maria) Pernell of Tacoma, Washington; Brian (Meg) Anderson of West Des Moines, Iowa; Marcus (Katie) Anderson of West Des Moines, Iowa; great grandchildren: Rylee and Caden Sennert; Neal, Skyler and Jaidynn Huber; Logan and Ada Pernell; Nathan and Amelia Pernell; Devin and Staley Pernell and Ariana Arch; and Liliana Anderson; brother, Richard Sennert of Storm Lake, Iowa; other extended family and friends. Neal was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis Sennert; his parents; sister, Wilma; and brothers, Carl and Lester.

Neal E. Sennert

January 14, 1928 - August 29, 2014