John Stennes

SHIRLEY — John Stennes, 89, formerly of Hyannis, died Oct. 23, 2007, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He lived in Hyannis until recently when his health necessitated a move to his granddaughter Christine Bogdahn's home in Shirley.

John was born in Norway, the son of Rasmus Stennes and Inga Brandshaw. After the death of his father in 1919, his mother married Johannes Stennes. John immigrated to the United States at age 13. He quickly learned the English language and graduated from high school in Boston.

A truly self-made man, he became an engineer without the benefit of a college degree. He was employed many years at Raytheon Co., before continuing his career at GTE Sylvania until retirement.

John married Dorothy Stoddard in 1944, and they divorced in 1965. Following the divorce, he married his beloved wife, Marie Stennes, who died on Jan. 26, 2005.

He is survived by his brother, Ernie Stennes and wife, Maureen; a sister, Judy Burg and husband, Kenneth; a daughter, Carole Johnson and husband, Richard; and a stepson, George Stoddard and wife, Cherie. Surviving grandchildren are Carla Stoddard, Peter Stoddard, and Rene Fleming of Utah, Christine Bogdahn of Massachusetts, Paul Stoddard of Georgia, Alan Graves, Debbie Humphrey, Kathleen and Karen Johnson of Massachusetts, and Clay and Scott Turnbull; great-grandchildren, Kiska, Shaina, and Kara Western, Adeline and Abigayle Bogdahn, Beverly Stoddard, Amanda and Walter Kidd, Stephanie, Alan Jr., and Emilee Graves, Toni Aho and Hayli Humphrey, Keisha Medeira, Nyala and Alise Muschette, and great-great-grandchild, Khamari Kidd.

A memorial service will be held in Cotuit Federated Church, corner of School and High streets, on Friday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. Burial is in Mosswood Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to Davenport-Mugar Cancer Center, 27 Park St., Hyannis, MA 02601, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.