Rolland Stenberg

MISSOULA - Rolland Eugene “Sonny” Stenberg, 73, of Missoula, passed away on Wednesday, December. 17, 2008, at St. Patrick Hospital from complications following a massive stroke.





Sonny was born January. 25, 1935, in International Falls, Minn., to Arnold and Alice (Brager) Stenberg. After graduation from Falls High School in International Falls in 1953 Sonny moved to Missoula. In 1959-1960 Sonny moved to Eugene, Ore., where he managed the Safeway store there. He moved back to Missoula and on Feb. 24, 1962, married Judy (Morin) Stenberg. The couple lived in Missoula, where Sonny was employed by the University of Montana, Bonner Mill, Evans Products, Southgate Mall, and Muralt’s Truck Plaza. An honorably discharged veteran of the Army National Guard in 1962, he also was a reservist in both the Army Reserves and Navy Reserves in Missoula. In addition, Sonny was a member of the Missoula County Special Deputies.





Sonny was a devoted, loving and proud husband, father, son and brother. His legacy includes the work ethic he instilled in his children, which has served them greatly.





A kind, gentle and unassuming man, Sonny was quick with a smile, nod and wave for everyone he met. His sweet soul was well-liked by all who knew him. Indeed, it was a rare occasion for Sonny to go anywhere and not meet someone to share a story and a laugh.





He brought many smiles to peoples’ faces as he drove his children through town on his red, white and blue Harley Davidson motorcycle and sidecar. A true animal lover, as the children grew older, the sidecar was ridden in by his “circus-dog” Benji.





Survivors include his wife, Judy of Missoula; three sons, Rolland “Ron” of Los Angeles, Terry of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Brian and his wife Donna of New Bern, N.C.; a sister, Arlene and her husband Russ Svingen of Eugene and brother. Andrew and his wife Loretta of Missoula; five grandchildren and one great-grandson; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and innumerable friends.





He is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Alice Stenberg; a brother, Leroy Arnold “Bob” Stenberg and his daughter Christina Stenberg.





Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December. 30, at First Church of the Nazarene, 2339 26th Ave. A reception will follow the service at the church. Inurnment will follow at Missoula Cemetery.





Cremation is under the direction of Garden City Funeral Home.





The family suggests memorials to the Humane Society of Western Montana, 5930 Highway 93S, Missoula MT 59804.








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