Visitation: Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood, IA.
Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the church.
It is with great sadness that the family of Curtis Leroy Stensland, beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 16th, 2026 at 71 years of age. Curt and his wife Stephanie lived outside of Larchwood, IA, near Klondike.
Curt was born to Edsel and Gladys (Hoot) Stensland on May 19th, 1954, in Canton, SD. He graduated from Canton High school in 1972 and enjoyed racing motorcycles in his younger years. He married the love of his life, Stephanie Konietzo in 1974, and graduated from South Dakota State University in 1976. After living briefly in Wisconsin after graduation, he returned to Larchwood to farm with his dad and raised his children Courtney, Cassidy, and Cade. He would continue to farm with Eddie, and later his son Cade, until his retirement. He had various careers in addition to farming, including owning and operating a hops farm with his son and daughter.
Together, Curt and Stephanie provided their children with an idyllic childhood on the farm, one that he reminded them of often. Curt found happiness in farming and would often remark that he was the hardest working man he knew – he worked hard, and played hard. Not only was he an amazing father, later in life he cherished the role of being the best grandpa. He loved to watch his grandchildren in all their activities and would never hesitate to give them his sometimes-unwanted advice and guidance, but most of all his overwhelming support. He helped his grandkids through COVID with a daily workout with grandpa. He and his wife Stephanie lived very active lives and cherished their many vacations to Puerta Vallarta. Curt was a voracious reader, a lover of classic rock, and enjoyed being outdoors especially on a beautiful day. He reveled in getting his family outside for bike rides, four-wheeler trips to the river, sledding, and organized events for the yearly Stensland Olympics. As a man of incredible strength and kindness, he taught his family the value of hard work and unconditional love. His quick wit, sense of humor, and generosity touched the lives of all he encountered, and he made intentional decisions each day to live with joy and kindness.
Curt will forever be remembered by his wife of 51 years, Stephanie (Konietzko) Stensland, daughters Courtney Stensland, Cassidy (Bubba) Hawf, and daughter-in-law Christina Stensland. Curt’s son Cade preceded him in death in 2017. Curt was the proud grandfather to Reegan, KC, Tate, Jersey, Kameron, Charlotte, Bristol, Kye, and Elliott, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Connie Larsgaard, and brother-in law, Paul Konietzko. He was especially close with his nephew Darin Hage.
Curt was preceded in death by his beloved son Cade Stensland, parents Eddie and Gladys (Hoot) Stensland, mother and father-in-law Leo and Claretta Konietzo, sister Marlene (Nootsie) Hage, sister-in-law Karla Esser, and niece Leslie Esser.
A mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood, IA. Visitation, with family present, will be Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the church.
So, so sorry to the whole family. Love, Nancy
Thoughts and prayers
So sorry to hear of Curt’s passing . He was. Great guy had a lot of good times with him. Prayers got you and family.
So sorry, sending many thoughts and prayers.
May God’s love surround you and carry you through this time of loss. Your family has my sympathy. Many prayers and Hugs🙏❤️
So sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. My condolences to your family.
so sorry for your loss many thoughts and prayers.
SO VERY SORRY TO SEE THIS. HOW SAD. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR STEPH AND FAMILY , AND MAY GOD WRAP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND YOU ALL IN THIS SAD TIME
My deepest sympathy
Steph and family, oh the memories of our times together. We met at ballroom dance class and had so much fun getting to know each other. Our visits to WI and Larchwood were always a great time. Well maybe not that scary motorcycle ride with Curt. I’m proud to be Cade’s godmother.
Praying for you all at this most difficult time.
Love and hugs, Ann Melmer
So sorry for your loss. Curt was always a good guy. We went back a few years with motorcycles. But we always had something in common. Just loved the guy.
So sorry to hear of Curts passing. when we where young my cousin Steve and I raced motorcycles in the field near the river with Curt. what a wonderful time we had. Our condolences to your family from ours. We are wintering in Arizona so will not be able to attend the Funeral.
You will be missed my friend. I knew you in High School, which is to say I knew your name and heard the stories of your motorcycle riding talents. We met in boxing classes later in life and our friendship grew. Thank you for the memories we created . . . I’ll always smile when I recall them.
God speed, Curt.
So sorry for your loss,Curt will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear about Curt. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending hugs to all of you.
My deepest condolences to Stephanie and family. Prayers to all. Curt was always friendly, and I never saw him without a smile. I know that he’ll be missed.
What a terrible shock. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Curt will be missed.
My condolences. Sorry for your loss. He was a very nice man. My prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong.
So sorry to hear the sad news of Curt’s passing. Steph my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. I tell the story many times of when our folks were playing cards and laughing, that Curt and I went sledding on the hill just west of their house. It was a magical night where there was no wind, snow was falling and yet the night seemed so bright. I mentioned it to Curt a couple years ago, and I barely got started and he knew exactly the night. A great memory, along with the night he was showing me some boxing and dropped me with a left. I know he left many similar great memories with everyone.