Maynard Richard Stensrud

MAYNARD RICHARD STENSRUD, age 67 of Waseca, died on Thursday, April 14, 2022.
Born on November 1, 1954 in Forest City, Iowa, he was the son of Rick and Barb (Teigen) Stensrud. He graduated from high school in Lake Mills, Iowa and Iowa State University.

Maynard’s life was grounded in Jesus and centered around his family. He worked in aviation for forty years—over thirty of those as owner of Stensrud Aviation in Waseca--and loved the independence and solitude his life’s work afforded. Even more, he loved all the people he got to know who came through what his grandkids call “Papa’s House.” The relationships he developed through the airport were one of his life’s greatest joys.

Maynard played football for Iowa State and loved sharing the game with his son. Saturday evening phone calls in the Fall were the norm and will be sorely missed. He would do anything for his girls, from emergency car repairs and encouraging words to backrubs and unconditional love. His grandkids loved getting Ranger rides and sitting in his lap watching tv, and he was always more than ready to oblige them with either.

Maynard was devoted to his loving wife, Sara, for forty-four years. The bond they shared was as unique as it was deep. The Lord proved himself faithful to them over and over. Sara knows He will continue to do so.

It is with God that all things began and ended for Maynard. Love of people endured throughout his entire life, a product of the overflowing love God had graciously given to him. This love bore itself out in one of his greatest joys. For over twenty years, Maynard regularly traveled to west Africa to serve as a mechanic for Serving in Missions.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sara of Waseca; three kids, Josh (Briana) Stensrud of Colorado Springs, CO, Katie Stensrud of St. Paul, and Rachel (Ryan) Clark of Shoreview, along with six grandkids, and surrogate granddaughter, Kirsten. His is also survived by siblings, Mary Beshir of Mason City, IA, Mike (Laura) Stensrud of Lake Mills, IA and Trena (Brad) Martinson of Fergus Falls and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kathleen.

If you would like to honor Maynard with a donation, an account has been opened at Minnwest Bank in Waseca. All proceeds will be donated to Serving in Missions. (Please make checks payable to Sara Stensrud, with “Maynard Memorial Fund” in the memo line.)

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 from 3-6 PM at the Waseca Municipal Airport (35493 110th St, Waseca). Visitation will continue on Wednesday, one hour before the services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Christ Community Church in Waseca.