"Ed was an inquisitive and industrious individual. Well into his 70s, he embraced technology, owning and OPERATING(!) his own digital camera with his own laptop computer. His hobby of restoring antique cars was awesome. Eddie was a character. Charlie Nixon"
In loving memory of
Ed Stenstrom
April 12, 1925 - February 7, 2012
John Edward, son of George and Helen (Wickland) Stenstrom, was born April 12, 1925, at Melville Township, Audubon County, Iowa. He attended country school and later graduated from Viola Consolidated High School. In June of 1945 Ed was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged in November of 1946. The following year Ed started working at Powers Chevy Garage as parts manager and bookkeeper. He then opened the Coon Rapids Bowling Alley. On June 18, 1950 Ed was united in marriage with Ruth E. Weitkamp at Trinity Lutheran Church near Coon Rapids. Two sons were born to this union. In 1963 he started working for the U.S. Post Office, where he worked for 25 years. He kept in shape by walking 12 miles a day on his mail delivery route. In all his years of carrying the mail Ed was never bitten by a dog, but he did step on snakes three times. Ed always loved cars and found a great hobby by owning Ford Model A's, a 1930 Roadster, a 1929 Sport Coupe, a 1956 & 1957 Chevy, and more. Over the years he loved taking his Model A Roadster to parades and car shows, winning many trophies. Ed was proud of his membership in the Model A Club in Des Moines. In his spare time he also enjoyed working with wood, stones, gems and fixing all kinds of things over the years by being a handyman. Ed and Ruth enjoyed travelling, visiting all 50 states and Australia. They wintered in Arizona for 12 years following their retirement in 1987. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was a church officer, and the American Legion. Ruth died November 5, 2001 and Ed remained in their home in Coon Rapids until 2008, when he moved to the Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in Coon Rapids. He died there on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 26 days. Besides his parents and wife, Ed was preceded in death by two sisters Evelyn (Hilmar) Hansen and Doris Walker and two brothers Elmer (Thelma) Stenstrom and Albert Stenstrom. Ed is survived by his two sons Craig Stenstrom of Ortonville, MI and Jeffrey Stenstrom and wife Maureen of Long Beach, CA; two grandchildren Jonathan Stenstrom and Chelsea Stenstrom; sisters-in-law Jean Stenstrom of Coon Rapids and Doris Stenstrom Richards (Herman) of Coon Rapids; brother-in-law Gene Walker of Urbandale; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Celebrant REVEREND ALAN MILLER Honorary Casket Bearers JONATHAN STENSTROM CHELSEA STENSTROM Interment with Military Honors MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012, 2:30 PM ARCADIA CEMETERY, ARCADIA, IOWA AMERICAN LEGION GURNEY PARKER POST 357, COON RAPIDS EHLERS-GERKEN POST 694, ARCADIA THE FAMILY WISHES TO EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE FOR YOUR KINDNESS EVIDENCED IN THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED AND INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR LUNCH AND FELLOWSHIP AT CHURCH FOLLOWING THE SERVICE.
Tributes
"Craig & Family, Our sympaty and prayers are with you. We have such fond memories of your Dad here at AWRV in AZ. He has been missed at shuffleboard & tennis in the last few years. We enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again."
"Hi Craig, Jeff, and family, So sorry to hear of your father's death. It was so great he could attend Dad's funeral. I know he knew me as when he entered the sanctuary his face lit up when he saw me. I knew he wanted to talk but that was difficult. We have so many fond memories of your dad, his laughter, and the light in his eyes. He loved life, his hobbies, and family. I so remember the holiday dinners in your house and the movies that were taken. We wish we could be there to celebrate his life and visit with you. However, it looks like there would be two days of driving through blowing snow. Hopefully there will be another time to visit. Don't know if you have our current address so I'm listing it here. Phyllis Garnant, 110 Kings Hwy., Middletown, NJ 07748. Email is pgarnant@comcast.net."