Leroy Stensgaard

LeRoy Ellsworth Stensgaard was born February 12, 1930 to Lawrence and Ella (Steele) Stensgaard in Hope Township, Minnesota. Growing up on the family farm, he attended country school and graduated from Ruthton High School in 1948. He enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War as a forward observer for artillery. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1951. He returned to Ruthton and farmed with his father. He was united in marriage to Betty Ann C. Nelsen on July 25, 1954 at Hope Lutheran Church in Ruthton. Their union was blessed with three children, Debra, Daniel, Chris, and 57 years of marriage together. The couple farmed in Tyler for a short time and later established their home and farm in Ruthton. He retired from farming in 2006. LeRoy died at his home Friday, May 11, 2012 at the age of 82 years.

LeRoy was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, Minnesota where he had served the church as an usher and council member. He was a volunteer for many years on the Ruthton Fire Department. He served as Pipestone County Commissioner for 12 years and had served several years on the board of Soil and Water in Pipestone County. He was a member of Woodrow Wilson American Legion Post 506 of Ruthton. He enjoyed reading, camping, golf, traveling, and having coffee with friends at the Mini Mart. He especially enjoyed time spent with his family.

LeRoy will be lovingly remembered by his wife Betty Ann of Ruthton, Minnesota; his children, Debra Stensgaard of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Daniel Stensgaard of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Chris (and Sarah) Stensgaard of Victoria, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Brook Stensgaard of Chicago, Illinois, Laura Stensgaard, Hanna Stensgaard, and Dane Stensgaard all of Victoria, Minnesota; a brother, Curt (and Carol) Stensgaard of Mitchell, South Dakota; a sister, Patricia Swanson of Farwell, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Robert Swanson. Blessed be his memory.

Memorials may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church.