Madonna Theresa Stensgaard

Madonna Theresa (Deis) Stensgaard, 89, of Aurora, Colorado passed away at her home on Monday, January 8, 2024. She was born on April 21, 1934 in Bowdle, South Dakota.

Donna was the oldest of five children. Her family lived on a farm in rural South Dakota until they moved to Aberdeen and then to Rapid City, South Dakota. Life on the farm proved to be difficult and full of challenges at times and Donna also had to persevere and overcome serious childhood illnesses and physical ailments. However, Donna credited her farm upbringing with teaching her the value of family and hard work and she maintained many fond memories of her childhood throughout her life.

Donna graduated from Cathedral High School in Rapid City and then attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish for two years where she received her teaching diploma. She discontinued her teaching career after giving birth to her second child.

Donna married Ross Stensgaard on August 2, 1954 in Rapid City and they moved to Aurora in 1965. All six of their children graduated from Hinkley High School in Aurora where Donna and Ross were named to the Hinkley Parent's Hall of Fame in 1990 in recognition of their contributions to the school over many years.

Donna was a homemaker raising her six children and was the matriarch of her extended family. Donna was continually present at her children's school activities and sporting events over the years. She never lost her passion for teaching and spent many years going to schools to help children with their reading. Donna enjoyed meeting and talking to people and she was known for making everyone she met feel at ease.

Donna was well known for her strong Catholic faith, her sense of humor, her enjoyment of classic country and western music and her love of travel. She also developed an enjoyment of watching Denver sports teams over the years.

Donna is survived by five of her children: Jean Barnhill of Aurora; Donald of Pueblo; Richard of Thornton; Teresa Bell of Parker; and Larry of Denver. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Ross and her son Michael.

A viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home East Metro Chapel on January 22, 2024 beginning at 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at noon. The graveside service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on January 24 at 1 p.m.

Donna's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.