Phyllis Stensgaard

Phyllis Irene Ericksen Stensgaard, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed to her Heavenly home on Monday, August 19th, 2024, at the age of 89. She was born on December 19th, 1934, in Sinai, South Dakota, to Bernhard John Ericksen and Hazel Violet Quam Ericksen. She was the youngest of five children.

Phyllis was baptized and confirmed at Sinai Lutheran Church. She grew up and was raised in the Sinai area of Brookings County and she attended and graduated from the all-grades Sinai school. Phyllis met the love of her life, Milton Eugene Stensgaard at a cafe in Brookings, South Dakota and later married him on August 21st, 1954, at the First Lutheran Church of Pipestone, Minnesota. As a military family, they traveled throughout the United States and Europe until retiring in San Antonio, Texas. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, La Vernia, Texas.

Phyllis was a woman of great compassion. She had a heart that was always open and ready to give. Whether it was through her volunteer work, her support of local charities, or her willingness to lend a helping hand to friends and family, she made a difference in the lives of countless people.

Her involvement in the church, school activities, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Marine Corp League Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, MOCA, American Legion Auxiliary, VA volunteer services and various veteran’s programs was a testament to her belief in the power of community and the importance of giving back.

She is survived by her children: Chrystal Coble (Garland), Michael Stensgaard (Karen), Elaine McNulty, Bennie Stensgaard (Candi), 6 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 51 years, her brothers Hubert Ericksen and Curtis Ericksen, her sisters Cordelia Ericksen Franken and Mavis Ericksen Schutt, and son-in-law, Francis McNulty.

Phyllis was a caregiver her entire life and will be remembered for her love and dedication to her family and community. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servant (Psalm 116:15)