Richard C. Stenstrom

1936 - 2024

Beloit, WI - Richard "Dick" C. Stenstrom, 87, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Beloit Memorial Hospital.

Dick was born June 19, 1936, in Chicago, IL, and soon after became the adopted son of his loving parents Oscar O. and Irma (Schmidt) Stenstrom of Williams Bay, WI. Dick, along with his sister Carol, enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up on the campus of George Williams College, where their father was grounds keeper and his mother worked in the business office. Dick was a 1954 graduate of Williams Bay High School, then earned his Bachelor of Science from Beloit College in 1958. From there he went on to earn his master's in geology in1962 and a PhD in geophysical sciences in 1964, both from the University of Chicago. It was at the University of Chicago where Dick met his future wife, Georgina Alice (Becker) Stenstrom. Dick joined the faculty of Beloit College in 1965 and taught geology there for 35 years. Dick developed courses in hydrology on campus and participated in the first overseas seminars in geology with his mentor and teacher, Hank Woodard, including field trips to Hawaii and to New Zealand. Later, Dick became chair of the geology department until he retired in 2001, as Professor Emeritus. After retirement, Dick purchased an old house near Beloit College for $1, and named it The Georgina Stenstrom Center after his late wife. The Georgina Stenstrom Center houses SLU, Society for Learning Unlimited, a local non-profit, which Dick was a big part of. Dick was an avid outdoorsman and Eagle Scout. He traveled all over the world, and on one of his adventures in British Columbia, he discovered a creek which now bears his name, Stenstrom Creek. Dick was an easy-going guy with a dry since of humor which many of us found quite entertaining and fun. He will be deeply missed by many.

Survivors include his son, Eric of River Grove, IL; sister, Carol Ortiz of Nederland, TX; niece Cheryl Hainer of Port St. Lucie, FL; nephew, Phillip Ortiz, of Nederland, Tx; nephew Jason Ortiz of Port Neches, TX; and good friends, Pat Raymer and Judith Haberman. Dick was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his wife Georgina.

Special thanks to his primary caregiver, Lexie Eisch, for her love and devotion in her care of Dick. You were truly light in his life over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Richard C. Stenstrom to Georgina Stenstrom Center, SLU, Beloit College Geology Department or Welty Environmental Center.

A celebration of life will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at the Georgina Stenstrom Center, 627 Church St., Beloit, WI. A private graveside ceremony was held on June 7, 2024, at East Lawn Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com