Gary Stenen
November 25, 1949 ~ October 8, 2024
Born in:
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Gary Stenen passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the age of 74 in Fargo, North Dakota.
Gary was born on November 25, 1949, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Joseph and Ardith Stenen and was one of eight children. In 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army. During his military service, Gary was deployed to Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Upon his return from Vietnam, Gary transferred to the United States Army Reserve where he served until his honorable discharge in 1975.
Gary was blessed with a large and loving family of sisters and brothers, sisters and brothers-in-law, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and nieces and nephews and their families. Gary enjoyed his life and loved his family; those related and those he chose to make family. Gary wanted to be remembered as the “Champ” in the dice game of 10,000. His loved ones will remember him for his beautiful singing voice, his constant jokes with his hearty laugh, and his zest for life. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones.
Gary is survived by his children, Donna (Mark) Arnold, Allison (Jeff) McLaughlin, Melissa (Brent) Backstrom, Aaron (Christina) Stenen, and Randy (Nicole) Stenen, grandchildren, Chelsie Arnold, Matt Arnold, Markie Frey, Tanner Ess, Jeremy McLaughlin, Mikenzie Ess, Mariah Stenen, Kaylin Stenen, Alayna Stenen, and Adelyn Backstrom, 6 great-grandchildren, his sister Judy (Alvin) Sevald, and brother John (Terry) Stenen. Gary took great pride in his family and those he loved.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Arnie, Vern, Larry, Ernie, and his sister Jane.
Service will be held October 18, 2024, at Boulger Funeral Home located at 123 10th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103. In lieu of flowers, Gary requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.
Services
Visitation: October 18, 2024 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Funeral: October 18, 2024 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Burial: October 18, 2024 1:00 pm
Fargo National Cemetery
8709 40th Avenue North, Co Rd 20
Harwood, North Dakota 58042
(701) 451-4650
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/fargo.asp
To the families of Gary: I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I didn’t know Gary very long he was a very nice guy. I will miss talking about fishing and the Vikings.
To Melissa and family, thinking of you all and sending love and prayers all the way from Wales. May God welcome Gary with loving arms and may you find comfort knowing he is forever by your side guiding and protecting you x
I was lucky enough to work several years with Gary in security and his brother Vern in environmental services. Very saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great guy and will be missed. Deepest sympathies and prayers for his family. Lois Jackson
Merlin & Carol Klamar:
Family of Gary Stenen: We are so sorry for your loss. Hadn’t seen Gary in quite a few years but he was a great guy that we thought the world of. Love and hugs to you all at this very sad time!
To Melissa and the rest of the Stenen family, we are heartbroken for your loss. And you have our deepest sympathies. We hope you find solace that Gary is with Jesus and that he is always watching over you from heaven.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles”
We love you!
~ Bryant, Megan, Corbin Backstrom