Robert “Bob” D. Stenberg, 85, of Dell Rapids passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center after a lengthy illness with cancer. His funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Colman Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Dell Rapids American Legion Post. Visitation will begin at noon on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Kahler Funeral Home with the family present at 6:00 p.m. and a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. To leave condolences please visit www.kahlerfh.com
Bob was born August 22, 1927, the third son of Ove and Alma Stenberg, of Colman, SD. The family, which eventually consisted of seven children, was part of a larger, very musical family in the strong Danish community of hard-working farmers in rural Colman. His early years included stories of hard work, fun times, amazing grace, and lots of love that greatly shaped Bob’s character. He was a graduate of Egan High School in 1945, and attended a bit of college at Iowa State.
Bob met Arlene Satre through his sister Arlene, and they were married on September 3, 1949. Theirs was a marriage that endured and flourished. He farmed with his brother DeVere near Sioux Falls until he was activated in the Air National Guard during the Korean Conflict. The young family which now included daughter Candace, moved to an air force base near Rapid City. Roxanne was born ‘out west’. After that stint, he farmed near Colman, where Sheryl was born. Farming years included Renner and Trent before their final move to Dell Rapids. Bob became an active member of each community in which he lived, volunteering, serving in the churches, and making life-long friends. His strong love of family held it all together.
Bob loved the land. Every farming decision was made with the latest knowledge possible. He spent evenings pouring over farming magazines and publications. He was an environmentalist, an economist and businessman, an innovator, an experienced handyman, a mentor to young farmers, and a man of faith who knew farming depended on the rains and mercy of God.
Hobbies were a big part of his life. He had a great love for music. His long membership in the Mandskor and church choir brought him much joy. He was always eager to attend concerts and musical stage productions. Woodworking and stained glass brought much beauty. He and Arlene loved to travel–especially to see the wonderful family members in Denmark.
Bob’s community service included participation on township boards from 1952-1984. Helping organize the Association of Towns and Townships in SD, Bob did diligent homework and worked for the best interest for all. He served as Chairman of the Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning Commission and was active in the American Legion.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, brother DeVere, sister Elizabeth, and his dear wife Arlene.
He is survived by his daughters Candace Trautman (Phillips), Roxanne Heimbuck (Randal), and Sheryl Kelso (Ronald); brothers Virgil, David, and Bennett and sister Arlene Lellelid; eight grandchildren, 7 great granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews.