Richard Allen "Rick" Stennes

Richard "Rick" Allen Stennes of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on December 27th at the age of 74. He departed peacefully at his daughter's home while recovering from surgery, just days before his 75th birthday.
Rick was a man of quiet kindness and genuine goodness, a steady and reassuring presence to his family and friends. He met life with a gentle, easygoing spirit - facing the inevitable challenges with grace and humor. His companionship and warmth were a true gift to those who knew him.
Rick was born in Park Rapids on New Years Eve, 1950, to John and Charlotte "Pearl" (Fish) Stennes. He attended school in Park Rapids, graduating with the Class of 1968.
Rick grew up running around Park Rapids creating mischief with his brother, John Karl, and their friends, and helping at his dad's grocery store. In high school, Rick played football and baseball. He was particularly proud of being a good pitcher - he lettered in baseball as a freshman and caught the eye of college recruiters, but opted to stay close to home.
After graduation, Rick attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where he studied Business Administration. While in Moorhead, he began dating Kathleen "Kathy" McGrane. They married in 1975 and returned home to Park Rapids where Rick worked full-time at his father's store, J & B Auto Parts. Rick and Kathy built a house on Straight River and started their family - Maggie was born in 1980 and Molly in 1981.
Rick worked alongside his dad for many years, learning the ropes of business ownership. In 1983, Rick bought the auto parts store from John and had the pleasure of working every day with some of his best friends. Rick and his family renovated the upper floor of the parts store and lived upstairs. Rick raised his girls amongst the rows of mufflers, aisles of parts, and cans of paint.
In 1992, Rick transitioned from the auto industry to the hospitality world, selling J & B Auto Parts to his staff and opening MaGoo's Sports Bar. Alongside a talented team, he spent years bringing his long-held dream to life. His girls were there with him again, sweeping up peanuts, refilling ketchup bottles, and playing songs on the jukebox with the endless supply of quarters that Rick provided.
Rick sold MaGoo's in 2001 and entered a phase of semi-retirement. He devoted most of his time to the care of his aging parents - driving them to appointments, getting their groceries, and keeping them company. He worked for Kujawa Landquist Rustic Wood Furnishings and Wonewok, and as always, he made good friends at both jobs.
Throughout his younger years, Rick enjoyed many hobbies - golfing, fishing, softball, bowling, and grouse hunting. Rick loved to be with his friends and organized many teams and initiated countless trips. His favorite memories were on northern waters - fishing trips at Sportsman's Lodge on Lake of the Woods, houseboating in Voyageurs National Park, island camping on Namakan, and Uncle Buck's cabin on Black Lake. At Uncle Buck's, he was deemed "Father Rick" and was famous for his fettuccine.
Rick was an avid reader and puzzler - he read three newspapers a day and rarely met a crossword puzzle he couldn't solve. He devoured crime novels and loved to watch old westerns.
Rick will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his brother: John Karl of Grand Forks, ND; his daughters: Maggie (Josh) Wiederin of Duluth, MN, and Molly (Luke) Luther of Park Rapids, MN; his niece: Emily Stennes of Portland, OR; his grandchildren: Kellen, Claire, and Cecily Wiederin and Cash and Roman Luther; as well as countless lifelong friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law Dolly (Wilson) Stennes.
Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel with visitation for 1 hour prior.