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Alan D. Stenseth Obituary – 4/3/2015


Alan Duane Stenseth, age 83, of Dassel, died Friday, April 3, 2015, at the Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield.

He was born Jan. 15, 1932, in Kingston, the son of Howard Melvin and Gladys (Isaacson) Stenseth. Alan grew up in Dassel, and later Cokato, where he graduated from Cokato High School in 1950.

Alan was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 18 years, from 1950 until 1968. He had been stationed in Texas, England, Minnesota, Colorado, Mississippi, Alaska, northern and southern California, and the Philippines. Alan worked hard in the service, always learning and teaching. He taught jungle survival in the Philippines, and winter survival in Alaska.

Alan was united in marriage to Audrey Ryti Sept. 11, 1954, in Cokato. The couple lived and raised their seven children wherever Alan was stationed.

After retirement, Alan enjoyed spending time doing woodworking, traveling around the country, hunting, fishing, and was an accomplished photographer.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

Alan is survived by his children, Mari (Larry) Sjoquist of Dassel, Howard (Natalia) Tack of Sandy, UT, JoAnn (Steve) Pankake of Hutchinson, Laura Rosenow of Austin, TX, Karen (Brett) Reinke of Albany, Julie (Greg) Schulte of St. Cloud, and John Tack of Monticello; 15 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his two brothers, Howard and James Tack.

A memorial service took place Tuesday, April 7 at 11 a.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel with the Rev. Steven Olson officiating. There was a time to gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment followed at the Dassel Community Cemetery.

The Litchfield Military Honor Guard conducted military honors at the service.

Arrangements were handled by the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel.

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