Eldon "Bud" Stenstrom

Eldon “Bud” Duane Stenstom, 81, of Duluth, died Thursday, June 14, 2018 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay from Alzheimer’s. Bud was born on July 17, 1936 in Mora, MN to George and Millie Stenstom.  In his early years, Bud was raised on the family farm by Mora, MN. The family moved to Duluth and Bud grew up in the Railroad St. neighborhood.  Bud attended Duluth Denfeld High School before enlisting in the US Air Force in 1955, being stationed in Japan. After his discharge, Bud returned to Duluth and married the love of his life, Ann Wojcieszak on September 9, 1961. They were happily married for 56 years. Bud and Ann raised four children, Mike, Scott, Mary and David. Bud started his working career at Chung King in West Duluth. After Chung King closed, he began working at Helmer’s Foods in Superior. Bud stayed at Helmer’s until his retirement when he began his “every days a Saturday” life. Bud never missed an event for his children while he worked nights at Helmer’s. Family and friends meant the world to Bud and he was always there to help everyone in need. Bud loved to coach his boys in little league. Golf was his favorite sport and after many years of “Budigans” and “foot wedges”, he recorded his one and only, hole-in-one at Nemadji Golf Course at the age of 69. Bud also enjoyed fast pitch softball in his early adult years and excelled as a pitcher. He also spent time in bowling leagues and camping. Bud was an active member at Holy Family Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and Friars of St Francis. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, George and Millie; brothers, Harlan, David and Jerry; a sister, Anne Jones; a son-in-law, Karl Randa. Bud will be missed by his wife, Ann, of 56 years; a daughter, Mary Randa of Hermantown; sons, Mike (Lisa) of Fargo, Scott of Duluth and David (Lark) of Superior; a sister, Lois Kmiech of Duluth; brothers, Steve (Marge) of Duluth and Jeff (Gwen) of Minnesota; grandchildren, Kacia (Nate) Argall, Kayli and Kassie Stenstrom, Amber Syring, Jake Stenstrom, Ashley (Luke) Piche, Nelsen, Kal, Reed and Noah Randa; great-grandchildren, Brielle and Alivia Argall, Zoie, Alex and Ashlyn Soder; and many nieces and nephews.  Special thanks to all the staff at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay for all the exceptional care and attention they gave Bud over the last 18 months. Please make memorials to Holy Family Catholic Church, Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay or the Alzheimer’s Association of Duluth. Visitation 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 22, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 West 3rd St. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Burial in Oneota Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.