Richard Lee Stensgard

Richard Lee Stensgard, 88, of Fountain passed away peacefully on Monday, February 1, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary's Campus.

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

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

Richard enjoyed bowling, watching the Minnesota Twins, and Vikings. He was a proud member of the Lanesboro American Legion Post # 40 for over 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, & Lisa (Mike) Wilhelm of Rochester.  Eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren also survive.  One additional great-grandchild will be arriving soon.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Joan, and parents.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 6th,2016 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro with Pastor Kerry Eversole officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 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 service.

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