Joseph Francis Stenstrom, Jr. Obituary (1920

Pearl Harbor survivor Joseph Francis Stenstrom, CWO-4 USN (Ret), 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his daughter's home on December 20, 2012. The eldest son of Swedish immigrants, he was born August 16, 1920 in Spokane, WA to Joseph Francis and Ruth (Fry) Stenstrom. Following graduation from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, he enlisted in the US Navy in January 1939 rising through the ranks from Apprentice Seaman to Chief Warrant Officer 4. His 30-year naval career took him to the following duty stations: NTC San Diego , USS Northampton (CA 26), USS Oglala (CM 4), USS Montgomery (DM 17) Pearl Harbor, RECSTA Guadalcanal, V-12 Unit UISB Pocatello, SRTU PSNS Bremerton, Steno School, NTC San Diego, BREMGRU 19th Fleet PSNS Bremerton, OPNAV Washington D.C., JAMAG London England, U.S. Cinceur Frankfurt Germany, BUPERS Washington D.C., NAVSTA Argentia Newfoundland, Staff COMSERVLANT Norfolk, USS Northampton (CC1), PSNS Bremerton, USS Samuel Gompers (AD 37), NISMF PSNS Bremerton. While stationed in London, Joe met and married Dana M.C. Morley and they raised three children while he served his country. Upon his retirement in April 1969, they moved to England and were fortunate to travel throughout the UK and Europe. After 30 years of marriage, Joe and Dana divorced and he returned to Kitsap County in 1982 to be near his children, all of whom had returned to the States. Joe and his sister, Florence, shared a home in Gala Pines, Poulsbo and hosted many family gatherings with their respective children and grandchildren. Up to the age of 89, Joe could be seen walking the neighborhood streets and was affectionately known as the Ironman of Gala Pines. Joe enjoyed the outdoors: camping, gardening, road trips and the beautiful NW where boating and salmon fishing were favorite pastimes. He enjoyed tinkering and could fix almost anything and on warm, sunny days could be seen enjoying iced tea at his picnic table while watching the grass grow! Joe and Flo were also avid Husky and Seahawk season ticket fans in years past. Joe was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who led a rewarding, fruitful and long life and will continue to live on the hearts of those who knew him. He was the patriarch of our family and will be remembered for his high moral values, his honesty, character and great sense of humor. He is survived by his sister, Florence Kempton, Poulsbo; his daughter Linda (Bill) Eley, Poulsbo; sons David (Valerie) Stenstrom, Poulsbo; and Carl Stenstrom, Jacksonville, FLA.; grandchildren Mark (Jessica) Eley, Lacey; Sarah (Ryan) Cox, Port Ludlow; Monica Stenstrom, Vista, CA; Jasper Stenstrom, Poulsbo; Joseph Stenstrom, Poulsbo; and several nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, William Stenstrom and Robert Stenstrom. He will be buried with full military honors at Cherry Grove Cemetery and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to North Kitsap Fishline, The Kitsap County Humane Society, The Alzheimers Association or a charity of your choice. Fair winds and following seas, Dad. We love you.