Donald William Stensland

Donald W. Stensland, age 83, of rural Blue Earth, died Thursday, February 21, 2013 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday at Patton Funeral Home & Cremation Service and one hour prior to services at the church. Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.comDonald was born August 17, 1929, in Winnebago, MN,, the son of Gustav and Emma (Espe) Stensland. He was raised and educated in rural Blue Earth and graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1947. Following High School he helped his family farm and was soon married to Dorothy M. Vogt on August 14, 1954 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Earth. The couple moved to their farm near Guckeen in 1960. While farming Donald also sold Funks G. Seeds and worked at Arends Sale Yard for many years. He was also on the Jo Daviess Township Board where he served as treasurer. He was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth and enjoyed gardening, bailing hay, farming, morning coffee , playing cards and pool league with the guys at the Derby. He loved family gatherings including fishing trips up north with his family and following his grandchildren at school functions and sporting events. He will be missed by all who knew him.Donald W. Stensland is survived by his wife, Dorothy Stensland of Blue Earth, his daughter, Darla (Eldren) Colby of Granada, his son, Terry (Dawn) Stensland of Blue Earth, his son, Larry (Deb) Stensland of Granada, his brother, Ronald (Marilyn) Stensland of Blue Earth, his brothers-in-law, Russell Hornke of Blue Earth & Donald Bell of Blue Earth, his sisters- in-law: Marvis Stensland of Blue Earth, Jean Stensland of Los Lunas, New Mexico, Sandy Giese of Savage and Shirley (Andy) Gudal of Bricelyn, grandchildren: April (Tyler) Garrison, Eric Colby, Jessica Stensland, Daniel (Fiancee Ashley) Stensland, Stephanie Stensland, Trent Stensland, Hayley Stenslandstep-grandchildren, Adam and Brandon Meester and great Grandchildren, Katelyn & Parker Garrison and many neices and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mother & Father-in-law, John & Alma Vogt, brothers: Orville, George & Jarl Stensland, sisters, Josephine Stensland and Lois Hornke, sister-in-law, Vernette Bell, brother-in-law, Bill Giese and grandson, Tyler Stensland.