Jerry Stenseth, passed away Monday, May 2, 2016 at his rural Thief River Falls, MN home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Philip Johnson Officiating. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 10th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Zion Lutheran Church and also one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Jerold Lee Stenseth was born March 10, 1959 in Thief River Falls, MN. Son of Melvin and Helen (Hanson) Stenseth. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church. He attended Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, graduating in 1977.

On October 6, 1978 Jerry was united in marriage to Patricia Wing at Bethany Lutheran church in rural Thief River Falls, MN. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls. Over the years Jerry worked for Bugge's Oil, Forsbergs and Car Quest Auto. Jerry became a volunteer firefighter in Thief River Falls in 1983 and started full-time in 1992. In 2000 Jerry accepted a job as Co-Chief and held that title until this past March when he retired. In 2011 he took a part-time job at Evans Steel where his passion for "junking" was born.

Throughout his life Jerry helped with the family farming and maintenance of the machinery.   Jerry enjoyed his life on the farm. He also loved going out on the 4-wheeler with his grandkids, riding through the trails in the woods looking for deer and other wildlife.

Jerry will always be remembered by many for his infectious laugh and his willingness to always help others. Jerry never met a stranger a day in his life.

He is survived by his wife Patricia of 38 years, children Sarah (Keith) Robinson of West Fargo, ND, Joshua (Elizabeth Erickson) Stenseth of Thief River Falls, MN and Rebecca (Patrick Barry) Stenseth of Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren Amya Robinson and Jace Erickson; parents Helen and Maurice Stenseth of Thief River Falls, MN; siblings Carol (John) Wroblewski of Oak Grove, MN Rick (Debi) Stenseth of Moorhead, MN and Mark (Sheila) Stenseth of Thief River Falls, MN; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father Melvin Stenseth and nephew Cory Stenseth.

In Lieu of flowers memorial are suggested to Bethany Lutheran Church or the Hospice of the Red River Valley.