Gary Stensby

Gary Edward Stensby (age 87) passed away on July 19, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ann Stensby, sister, Audrey, and brother, Kenneth. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Merijean (nee Noonan); his children, son, Daniel, and daughter, Shawn; grandson, Alexander; sister-in-law, Sarah Noonan; and nieces, nephews and many other family and friends. Gary was born and grew up in Minneapolis, MN. Gary graduated from Pillsbury Military Academy in Owatonna, MN, where he was a member of the crack drill squad and participated in competition wrestling. After a few other jobs, he went to work for his dad as a painter. He joined the Army Reserves and served for 4 years. When his dad retired at age 65, Gary bought Stensby’s Decorating; Son, Daniel, did the same. 

When Gary was a teenager, but too young to have a driver’s license, he got himself a paper route and saved his money to buy a car. He wanted to “just to tinker with it,” he said, and he begged his father’s permission to buy a car. His Dad wisely, but frustratingly, turned him down. Gary spent every cent on the snazziest Schwinn bicycle that his money could buy. Never losing his interest in cars or motors, he bought a car as soon as he could drive. He joined a car club, The Amblers, and bought many more cars over the years. He loved figuring out how to make cars go faster, drag raced, and ice raced old beaters in the winter for fun. His driving was legendary. Ask anyone. 

Gary met Merijean in 1958 and married her in 1962. They bought a duplex from his parents. Daniel was born in 1964. Shawn was born in 1966. They lived an idyllic family life. Merijean’s parents, Mary and Dick Noonan, boated on the St. Croix River. Gary and Merijean spent wonderful times on their boats, Mary V through VII. Gary loved the challenges and adventures of boating. The die was cast and, in 1967, Gary and Merijean purchased a 34’ Whitcraft houseboat and named it Old Paint. The name was Gary’s idea. They became members of the St. Croix Yacht Club in 1968, and Gary later joined the Club chain of command and became Commodore in 1973. Gary followed in the footsteps of his father-in-law, Dick Noonan, who was Commodore in 1969. There were 3 more boats named Old Paint, the last of which was bought in 1986 and sold in 2019. After the sale, Gary always wished he was still boating. 

Gary discovered snowmobiles, raced them for many years, rode them on the icy St. Croix River and out west with groups of guys including son, Dan. Gary enjoyed hunting deer and grouse. He joined groups of friends who had scheduled golf tee times in the Stillwater and surrounding area. He loved golfing and was known to drive a fast golf cart too. 

Boating trips went international for Gary and Merijean, when they joined his sister, Audrey, and her later spouse, John, on their sailboat in the Bahamas. Gary and Merijean were so fortunate to enjoy sailing with brother, Kenneth, and sister-in-law, Darlene, in the Virgin Islands. The two couples also enjoyed traveling together by land to England, Scotland, Ireland and Spain. These were incredible experiences and memories. Gary’s boating skills led to invitations to help bring boats to Stillwater from harbors on Lake Michigan, and the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. After his retirement, he was hired at Sunnyside Marina as a boat pilot during the haul out and launch times. 

Gary led a wonderful life. He had great parents, siblings, in-laws, and extended family. He was a loving partner in a great marriage. He was very proud of his children and grandson and loved them dearly. He made and kept many friends over the years, all of whom can quickly think of more than one Gary story. He was strong, fearless, and driven to help in times of crisis - whether he took a sliver from a kid’s finger, rescued Merijean after she fell into the river or squirted carburetor cleaner into someone’s boat engine to get it started. He is and will be missed sincerely and deeply. May he rest in peace. 

Gary Edward Stensby 

Age 87 of Bayport, MN

Our hearts are broken. Our beloved Gary passed away on July 19, 2024. Preceded in death by parents, Edward &Ann; sister, Audrey and brother, Kenneth. Survived by wife of 62 years, Merijean (nee Noonan); children, Daniel and Shawn; grandson, Alexander; nieces, nephews and extended family.

Celebration of Life, August 11, 2024from 2:00 - 5:00pm with a time of remembrance at 3:00pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL,4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to donor's choice.

If you were unable to attend the time of Remembrance in person please see the recording of the service below.