Francis L. Stensaas

Stensaas, Francis L. COTTAGE GROVE- Francis L. Stensaas, age 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 25, 2014, at his home. Francis was born on Dec. 6, 1924, at his aunt's home in the Town of Vienna to Edwin and Emma (Monson) Stensaas. Francis spent his early years on rented farms in the DeForest Area. When he was 8 years old, the family moved to a farm in Cottage Grove. He attended school in Cottage Grove through the 10th grade, and graduated from Madison East High School in 1942. Francis married Priscilla (Perky) Curler on April 1, 1956, (because it was Easter Sunday, but it later turned out to be April Fool's day). Together they raised their family and farmed in Cottage Grove. To supplement the farm income, he had a short career selling Walnut Grove 4x4 feed, followed by 12 years of working in construction with Clarence Lewsion and later Joe Daniels Construction. He returned to full-time farming in 1973. Francis had no intentions of stopping, in fact he had just purchased seed corn for the 2014 crop. He introduced many youngsters to the farm, and will be fondly remembered by those in the neighborhood as one of the last of his generation to still be farming. Francis had a special way with farm animals and pets, always being tuned into their individual personalities. He is survived by his two children, Kim (Thomas) Banigan of Cottage Grove and Eric (Debra) Stensaas of Marshall; grandchildren Kyle, Ryan and Kevin Banigan and Breeanna and Brandon Stensaas; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife,Priscilla on February 17, 2002; his parents; his brother, William Stensaas; and his sister, Lois Jensen. Francis had a special place in his heart for Curly and his other friends at the Prairie Diner. Funeral Services will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 S. Main Street, DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 29,2014, with the Rev. Jerry Olson presiding. Burial will be at Norway Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420