In Memory Of
Ross D. Stensgaard
1927
2021
Ross D. Stensgaard
October 11, 1927 — April 9, 2021
Ross Donald Stensgaard, 93, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away Friday April 9, 2021. He was born on October 11, 1927 in Vogel, South Dakota.
After graduating from high school, Ross enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Japan following the conclusion of World War II where he was stationed from 1946-48 serving as a Technical Sergeant. Ross left active duty but remained in the Army Reserves and he was recalled to active duty in 1950 at the onset of the Korean War. He served in the 5th Army 24th Infantry Division and was wounded in battle near Inchon, South Korea in April 1951 for which he was awarded a Purple Heart.
In 1953 Ross began his 40-year career in the airline industry in Rapid City, South Dakota with Western Airlines. He transferred to Stapleton International Airport in Denver in 1965. He served primarily as a ground supervisor and trainer with Western for about 35 years and finished with Delta Airlines after Delta acquired Western. He retired in 1993. Following his airline career, Ross was not ready to completely retire and he subsequently worked for the Denver Auto Auction for 15 years.
Ross married Madonna Deis 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 Ross and Madonna were named to the Hinkley Parent's Hall of Fame in 1990 in recognition of their contributions to the school over many years.
Ross was also passionate about helping the youth of Aurora. In 1965 he was one of the founding fathers of the Aurora Youth League, an organization still in operation today benefitting the youth of his community. He ran the Lions organization of the AYL for ten years and coached baseball for many of those years.
Ross enjoyed many activities over the years including bowling and gardening. He was also known for creating and building elaborate doll houses for each of his granddaughters.
Ross is survived by his wife of 66 years Madonna; he is also survived by five of his children: Jean Barnhill of Aurora; Donald of Pueblo; Richard of Thornton; Teresa Bell of Parker; and Larry of Denver. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Michael.
A viewing will be held At Newcomer Funeral Home East Metro Chapel on April 24, 2021 beginning at 11 am followed by funeral service at noon. The graveside service will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on April 26 at 1 pm. Due to restrictions on the number of attendees that will be allowed, attendance at these services are by invitation only.
To send condolences or leave a special message for the family, please visit NewcomerDenver.com
After graduating from high school, Ross enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Japan following the conclusion of World War II where he was stationed from 1946-48 serving as a Technical Sergeant. Ross left active duty but remained in the Army Reserves and he was recalled to active duty in 1950 at the onset of the Korean War. He served in the 5th Army 24th Infantry Division and was wounded in battle near Inchon, South Korea in April 1951 for which he was awarded a Purple Heart.
In 1953 Ross began his 40-year career in the airline industry in Rapid City, South Dakota with Western Airlines. He transferred to Stapleton International Airport in Denver in 1965. He served primarily as a ground supervisor and trainer with Western for about 35 years and finished with Delta Airlines after Delta acquired Western. He retired in 1993. Following his airline career, Ross was not ready to completely retire and he subsequently worked for the Denver Auto Auction for 15 years.
Ross married Madonna Deis 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 Ross and Madonna were named to the Hinkley Parent's Hall of Fame in 1990 in recognition of their contributions to the school over many years.
Ross was also passionate about helping the youth of Aurora. In 1965 he was one of the founding fathers of the Aurora Youth League, an organization still in operation today benefitting the youth of his community. He ran the Lions organization of the AYL for ten years and coached baseball for many of those years.
Ross enjoyed many activities over the years including bowling and gardening. He was also known for creating and building elaborate doll houses for each of his granddaughters.
Ross is survived by his wife of 66 years Madonna; he is also survived by five of his children: Jean Barnhill of Aurora; Donald of Pueblo; Richard of Thornton; Teresa Bell of Parker; and Larry of Denver. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Michael.
A viewing will be held At Newcomer Funeral Home East Metro Chapel on April 24, 2021 beginning at 11 am followed by funeral service at noon. The graveside service will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on April 26 at 1 pm. Due to restrictions on the number of attendees that will be allowed, attendance at these services are by invitation only.
To send condolences or leave a special message for the family, please visit NewcomerDenver.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ross D. Stensgaard, please visit our flower store.
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