Gary James Stensland

Gary J. Stensland, age 81 of Edmore, North Dakota passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the First Care Health Center of Park River, North Dakota.

Gary James Stensland was born May 9, 1944 in Langdon, North Dakota, the son of the late Oliver and Marie (Landsem) Stensland. He graduated from Fairdale High School and Minot State University. He taught and coached in Warwick, North Dakota until being drafted into the United States Army. After serving during the Vietnam War, he returned to the Fairdale area and began farming with his family. Gary was united marriage to Della Myren on October 27, 1978 at St. Hans Lutheran Church in Edmore, North Dakota. After retiring from farming, he began working for US Fish and Wildlife, retiring after 12 years. Gary continued to make his home on the family farm until the time of his death.

Gary was a member of the St. Hans Lutheran Church and Concordia Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Fairdale-Park River American Legion Post, the Langdon Eagles, the VFW and served on the Board of Directors for Fairdale Farmer’s Elevator. He enjoyed archery and hunting but his most enjoyed hobby was pool. He spent many years in various leagues and winter evenings he was often found racking, breaking, calling the shot ready to take home the next trophy. Gary wasn't one for big elaborate vacations. He was content with summer camping trips to Devils Lake, Homme dam or Red Lake Falls tubing with family and friends. He along with Della built a life he didn't need a vacation from. Enjoyment for him was sharing his home with guests expected or not. He welcomed all into his home and around the table to chat about anything and everything. This is where the guests would inevitably become the victims of his latest joke or prank. Oh, how he loved to joke around. He is no doubt up there telling a good one now.

Gary is survived by his wife Della of 47 years; his children: Skye Stensland, Pamela (Arvid) Handegard and Scott Johnson; his grandchildren: Avery, Brea, and Rhett Stensland, Tristen and Brianna Johnson and Heather Johnson; his great grandchildren: Rush and Rohan Johnson; his sisters: Linda Pankratz and Karen Norman; brother-in-law, Allen Myren and several nephews and a niece, who he treated as his own children. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Odine Stensland and brothers-in-law: Orlin Pankratz and James Norman.

Gone the BIG smile and deep laugh. Cherished forever are the memories.

Funeral services will be Friday, August 8, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at the Concordia Lutheran Church, Edmore, North Dakota. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the church. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Highland Cemetery, rural Fairdale, North Dakota. Military Rites will be provided by the Fairdale-Park River American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred to the Highland Cemetery Fund, % Kim Beier, 11661 80th Street NE, Milton, ND 58260.