Gene Frederick Stensland, age 68, of Buffalo passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital after a 22 day stay due to Covid.
Gene was born November 14, 1952 in Rochester, MN, the son of Fred & Edna (Erath) Stensland. He attended high school in Kenyon and went on to graduate from UM Waseca School of Agriculture in 1973. Gene then moved to Watertown and started his life long career of selling farm implement parts. Farm numbers were important to Gene; who else would use a Case IH piece of equipment as their phone password? To farmers, his friends and customers he was the ultimate farm parts guy. He enjoyed several years of tractor pulling, with one of the tractors being Art Fortwengler’s 560 Int’l. In later years he enjoyed watching the tractor pulls with family or friends.
On April 29, 1978 Gene was united in marriage to Diane Salonek at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown, MN. Without fail on the 29th of each month thereafter, he’d roll over in bed and say “Happy Anniversary.” Diane truly felt blessed. He was one in a million.
Gene and Diane were blessed with and proud of their three children: Brian, Jason, and Lisa. Many have commented on the wonderful traits of the kids; they had a good teacher. He also adored their grandchildren: Maria, Connor, Chloe, and Breanna. He enjoyed hanging out with the grandkids, watching the older grandchildren’s sporting events and having google duos with the youngest granddaughter. He loved to tell jokes to the grandkids and enjoyed hearing their jokes too. Family was very important to him and he treasured the time spent with them; playing 500 or Euchre was one of his favorite pastimes. Gene had a big heart and he loved helping others. He found joy in working alongside his brothers-in-law in the field, running to get parts for farmers, researching info on farm equipment or Cub Cadet lawn mowers for people, and fixing what he could for others. He will be missed by family and many friends as he had many gifts and talents he shared. Gene was active in the St. Francis of Xavier Catholic Church participating in men’s group and Knights of Columbus. Gene was so looking forward to the 2nd annual Knights of Columbus toy farm show he was helping organize.
Gene is survived by wife, Diane; children, Brian (Tammy) Stensland, Jason Stensland, and Lisa (Travis) Senear; sister, Kay Stensland; grandchildren, Maria Stensland, Chloe Stensland, Connor Stensland, and Breanna Senear; father-in- law, Alfred Salonek; mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Lachermeier) Salonek; brothers-in-law, John (Lori) Salonek, Dan (Sharon) Salonek; sister-in-law, Bonnie Salonek; cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Fred & Edna (Erath) Stensland; brothers-in-law, Bob Salonek and Jerry Salonek.
Private visitation will take place. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Interment St. Francis Cemetery, Buffalo MN. Please see the following link to view the livestreaming of the funeral Mass: http://www.perkinsmediagroup.com/stensland
We are also planning a Celebration of Life which will take place Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM at Sturges Park in Buffalo. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to share a memory or story at gd_stensland@hotmail.com
While flowers are welcome, contributions may instead be sent to the Gene Stensland Memorial Fund at the MidCountry Bank in Buffalo, MN.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN served the family. On-line condolences can be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
If you Google Husband, Friend, Father, Brother, Son boom, Gene’s picture pops up.
Let us celebrate all he gave us.
So sorry to hear about Gene, he was a really good parts guy. Our sympathy to all the family members.
I am so sorry Diane. To lose a husband at such a young age is unthinkable. Carry his many warm and gracious memories. May you find peace and may Gene rest in peace. My prayers are with you and your family
Our deepest condolences to Diane and the entire family and friends! You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Diane and Family so very sorry for your loss. Gene was a wonderful human he will be missed.
Sending all my love, thoughts, and prayers. He truly was an amazing man.
Gene was a great parts at Welters.
Our deepest sympathy Diane to you and your family. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
I was so sorry to hear of your loved one’s passing from life on this side of Heaven…praying for his soul to soar to his heavenly home. Prayers for all his loved ones going through a really hard grief, lean on the One who is there carrying you through it.
I had never met Gene but my parents knew him. They always spoke glowingly about his kindness and good nature. I am sorry for his unexpected passing. The world was a better place because of Gene
I was so sorry, Diane, to hear of Gene’s death. He made the world a better place through his friendly outreach. May his love live on through you and your family. You are in my heart and in my prayers.
God never made a nicer person than Gene. Prayers.
Gene was my best friend in high school. So sorry for your loss. He was one of the most intelligent person I have ever known. Used to help me understand math or science problems. Had a big heart. He will be missed by all.
We are saddened to learn of Gene’s passing. I am sure he is resting in the loving arms of God. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
George and Anne Lambrecht
Deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers from the Kenyon Class of 71. We remember our classmate as a kind and quiet classmate.
So sorry to hear about Gene. He was a classmate of mine. Often times we sat next to each other in class; because our last names both started with S. My condolences to all.
Gene died way to young
My prayers and condolences go out to you Diane, and your family, for losing your loved one Gene. May God comfort you in this time of need.
My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family is the loss of your loved one, Gene. May the Lord comfort you in this time of need.
My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family.
My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family in the loss of your loved one.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Diane, Jason, Brian and Lisa. Gene was a wonderful husband and father. He will be missed dearly.
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. Gene was the most knowledgeable parts guy I’ve ever known. We will miss him!
So sorry to hear about Gene. He was my neighbor growing up south of Kenyon. I have great memories of going to Sunday School together, riding the school bus and bailing hay in the summer. Gene will be missed.
Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family, Diane.
Our hearts go out to your whole family at this difficult time. Our lives were made better by knowing Gene. I am thankful for that. We know that no words suffice, but you are in our prayers. We hope you find comfort in the knowledge that you will be together again in God’s time. Heartfelt hugs to each of you!
Gene was a person that could perform his job better than most.
He could look up & cross reference any part needed and have an answer for you. Very kind soft spoken person will be missed by everyone that knew him.
I just saw the announcement on Facebook class of 71. I didn’t know Gene very well in school. He always seemed shy and quiet, but very nice. Reading his obituary it’s obvious he was a wonderful man. I’m very sorry for your loss.