Wayne Stensgard

Wayne Stensgard, 78, of Harmony, went home to be with Jesus Tuesday, September 25, 2018.

Wayne was born February 22, 1940, near Choice in Fillmore County, Minn., to Elmer and Stella (Hoff) Stensgard.  He attended country and Rushford Schools and from there attended and graduated from Peterson High School in 1958.  On April 11, 1959, he married Marian Thoreson at the Arendahl Lutheran Church. They farmed near Pilot Mound for a short time before moving back to his parents’ farm.  In addition to farming, he and his brother owned and operated “Stensgard Brothers Sawmill,” which was later re-named “Three Oak Sawmill.” He then worked 18 years at the Fillmore County Highway Department, retiring in 2005.  In 1997 Wayne and Marian moved to Harmony where they have resided since. He enjoyed keeping busy working on cars and machinery, his lawn, and house. Wayne had a unique sense of humor that many thoroughly enjoyed. Wayne loved his children and grandchildren and was always interested in their lives. He was known for his strong handshake that people grew to expect from him. He was often heard saying, “I’m as strong as an ox,” and with his faith in Jesus, and this determination, he faced life including all the joys and struggles.

Wayne is survived by his wife Marian of Harmony, four children: Beth Yonts of Canton, Minn., Daniel (Janet) Stensgard of Maricopa, Ariz., Steven (Anne) Stensgard of Holmen, Wis., and Kathryn (Scott) Bunke of St. Charles, Minn.; grandchildren Katie Yonts, Gabriella (fiance  David Van Winden Bonilla) Yonts, Dylan Stensgard, Jackson Stensgard, and Brandon, Hannah, and Brooke Bunke; sister Norine (Mike) Ask of Lanesboro; a brother, Ellsworth (Ruth Ann) Stensgard of Houston, Minn., and a brother-in-law, Phil Burkholder of Harmony, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant granddaughter, Riley; and two sisters, an infant and Letetia Burkholder.

Memorial service will held 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018, with Rev. Margaret Jumonville of the Canton-Scotland Presbyterian Church in Canton, Minn., officiating. The memorial service will be held at the Assumption Catholic Church in Canton to accommodate the space needed for family and friends. Burial will be in the Arendahl Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the Assumption Catholic Church.  Memorials are are suggested to one of the following charities: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201-0001; Canton-Scotland Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 136 Canton, Minn. 56922; or  Mayo Clinic Dept. of Development to further cancer research, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, Minn. 55905 or online at www.mayoclinic.org. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.