Lyle Thomas Stensland

Lyle T. Stensland, age 86, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Garretson, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Palisade Lutheran Church, rural Garretson, Rock County, Minnesota. Interment will follow at the West Palisade Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.

Lyle was born on September 8, 1936, in Garretson to Thomas and Leone (Hove) Stensland. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Garretson and attended the Sorenson Country School. He graduated from Garretson High School in 1954. Lyle married Ardyce Miller Johnson in January of 1962. After their marriage they settled in Garretson until moving to Tampa, Florida in 1963. They returned to South Dakota in 1970 and settled on a farm southeast of Garretson. They continued to live and work on the farm until moving into Sioux Falls in the 1980’s. There he worked in maintenance at apartment buildings and mowed for the City of Sioux Falls. Lyle served for nine years in the Minnesota National Guard. He rose to the rank of sergeant and received a service medal for sharp shooting before being honorably discharged.

Lyle was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, and watching the Twins and Vikings. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting and school events.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda (Jim) Hoefert, Garretson; sons: Gary (Carol) Johnson, Parker, Terry (Connie) Johnson, Garretson, Brad (Lisa) Stensland, Garretson, and Jeff Stensland, Sioux Falls; 14 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ardyce; daughter, Barbara Rae Bussey; granddaughter: Kim Ramse; daughter-in-law, Annie Stensland; and a son-in-law, William “Red” Bussey.