Obituary: Robert Gorden Stenerson

Robert (Bob) Gorden Stenerson, 94, of Moorhead MN, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Bob was born in Ada, Minnesota on April 16, 1930 to Gorden and Juliette (Ostby) Stenerson . Bob lived in Borup Minnesota until he was 15 when the family moved to Moorhead. He graduated from Moorhead High School Class of 1948. Bob attended Concordia College and North Dakota State University where he graduated in 1953 with a degree in economics. He remained a Bison Fan his entire life. Bob was united in marriage to his “Honeybee” Georgiann Nelson on August 12, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. Together they raised their four children: Julie, John, Jay and Leslie.

Bob worked his entire life for the family business, Stenerson Lumber. Bob followed in the footsteps of his father Gorden and grandfather Gunder and upon retirement turning it over to his 2 sons, John and Leslie. Bob served in the United States Army stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama during the Korean War. Bob was continually active in the business community and as a volunteer for many worthwhile community projects. Bob, along with his lifelong friend, business partner and cousin James Stenerson were instrumental and led the fundraising effort to build the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead. He was active in the Minnesota State Chamber of Commerce eventually serving as Chairman. Bob was a Charter Member of the E triple S & R Conservative Think Tank that met every weekday morning, 9 am at the Moorhead Fryn’ Pan Restaurant.

Bob, along with Georgiann, were actively involved in local, state and national politics. Bob and Georgiann were active members of 3 churches; Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, Nee Gon Nee Lutheran Church, near Roy Lake MN, and St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fort Myers Beach, FL. Their faith was the cornerstone of their lives.

Upon their retirement in 1997 Bob and his beloved wife Georgiann traveled the world taking 3 major vacations each year to over 70 countries. They had taken over 65 cruises together. They have memories and mementos filling their homes and lives. Along with traveling, and since they married, they spent every summer weekend at the family cottage on Roy Lake. They loved Roy Lake as much as Fort Myers Beach where they spent every winter since 1969. 

Family was most important to Bob and Georgiann. They loved holidays and birthday gatherings where everyone would come to their home or meet at a restaurant for a birthday party. Bob and Georgiann especially enjoyed their 36 year traditions of the Annual Stenerson Family Hay Ride and the Annual Christmas House to House Dinner and tours. He and Georgiann loved to go out for dinner. Bob once said they seldom go out to eat more than 3 times per day. 

Bob loved watching the news, reading the newspaper, and keeping up with current events. And, he had an opinion on each news story.

Bob is survived by his 2 siblings, sisters Linda (Karl) Hagen, Detroit Lakes, Janet (Gordie) Peterson, Scottsdale, Arizona; all of his children; Julie Chaffins, Moorhead; John (Lori) Stenerson, Florence, Arizona; Jay (Emy) Stenerson, Audubon MN; Leslie (Becky) Stenerson, Fargo; thirteen grandchildren; Brandon, Nicole, Sarah, Robert, RJ, Cody, Alicia, Izzy, Matt, Aaron, Ashley, Joshua, Jacob, and fifteen great-grandchildren; Isabella, Michael, Brooke, Amelia, Caleb, Allaina, Thomas, Mila, Chloe, Kennedy, Harper, Brooklyn, Maverick, Waylon & Winona, along with numerous other nieces and nephews. 

Robert is preceded in death by his wife Georgiann in 2018; parents, Gorden and Juliette, son-in-law, Grable Chaffins, and his grandson, Michael Stenerson.

Memorial Gathering: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with Prayer Service at 7:00 PM, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, April 16, at 11:00 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Internment following the service at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

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Source: Wright Funeral Home Cremation Service