Richard Stensgard — Fountain

Richard Lee Stensgard, 88, of Fountain, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys Campus.

Richard was born Aug. 27, 1927, in Preston, to Olander and Irene Lucille (Ibach) Stensgard. He attended schools in Preston and Lanesboro, graduating from Lanesboro High School in 1947. He was a standout athlete in high school, selected unanimously as an all-district football player. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1948. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 11, 1952, at the rank of staff sergeant.

On Feb. 7, 1953, he married Joan Marie Olson in Lanesboro. The couple made their home in Lanesboro before moving to Preston in 1993 and Fountain in 2003. Richard and Joan were members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Richard worked several jobs in Lanesboro and Preston before being hired as Fillmore County Deputy Auditor. He eventually served as the Fillmore County Auditor for 16 years, before retiring. In 1989, Richard also served as president of the Minnesota Association of County Auditors.

Richard enjoyed bowling, watching the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He was a proud member of Lanesboro American Legion Post 40 for more than 50 years and was a multiple Friday night meat raffle winner. He loved his family very much.

Richard is lovingly remembered by his children, Loren (Bridget) of Elgin, Samuel (Susan) of Rushford, and Lisa (Mike) Wilhelm of Rochester. Eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren also survive. One more great-grandchild will be arriving soon. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, and his parents.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, with Pastor Kerry Eversole officiating. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday. A committal service with military honors accorded by the Lanesboro American Legion Post 40 will take place at the Lanesboro Cemetery following the funeral.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements, 507-867-4310, rileyfuneralhomes.com.