Retired Covenant pastor Arthur Stenberg died March 31, 2023. He was 89.
Arthur Merril Stenberg was born on June 26, 1933, and grew up on a family dairy farm in Greenbush, Minnesota. Before he started high school, the family moved to a larger dairy and wheat farm in Thief River Falls where he worked hard and enjoyed skating on the Thief River, playing hockey with his friends, and going on dates with nice girls from his local high school.
In the spring of 1954, Arthur met Geraldine, a city girl from East St. Paul. Gerry was on a nursing rotation in Thief River and caring for Arthur’s father, who had been admitted for a hospital procedure. Arthur had been given leave from serving in the U.S. Army so he could attend to his father’s medical needs. He walked into the hospital room, and it was love at first sight. Three dates and one year later, Arthur and Geraldine were married in St. Paul.
Arthur helped run a large and successful dairy and wheat operation in Thief River Falls. He later left the farm for a brief stint in the army where he proudly made sergeant in less than two years. Some of the happiest times for the family came in 1968, when Art purchased a thriving small town hardware store (Buffalo Hardware) and proved to be an excellent manager with a sharp mind for retail.
In 1972, Art committed his life to Christ and experienced profound personal changes. His wife and children immediately felt the impact of his conversion. He became even more loving and devoted to his family and experienced the “peace that passeth all understanding.” Art went on to become a licensed lay pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church where he served congregations in Minnesota who deeply appreciated his preaching and extended pastoral care visits.
Arthur is survived by his three children, Shelley, Susan, and Mark; ten grandchildren, Bryant, Joshua, Anna, Madeline, Sam, Stacey, John, Bobby, Angela, and Mateo; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church on July 17, 2023.
Peace be to his memory.
