Kathryn (Kay) Mabel Stenberg was born in Middleville Township, MN on February 11, 1933, the child of Clarence and Margaret Lundeen. She grew up in Cokato, graduating from Cokato High School. In 1954, she married Sydney Stenberg. They lived in Minneapolis where their five children were born. In 1968, the family moved to Howard Lake.
In addition to rearing five children, one of whom had physical disabilities, Kay worked for more than thirty years at the Good Samaritan Society in Howard Lake. She started as a nurse’s aide and worked her way up to bookkeeper.
Kay was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Howard Lake. She was active in many ways, including serving as church treasurer, a church cleaner, and a frequent visitor of shut-ins. For years, she wrote a column, Kay’s Corner, for the Howard Lake Herald.
Kay loved her family! She was always ready to serve them in any way possible. She hosted countless family gatherings in her and Syd’s home, but she and Syd were always the first to go and help a family member—whether close by or hundreds of miles away. Kay is remembered for her quiet nature, strength, work ethic, and most of all her strong Christian faith.
In so many ways, Kay worked quietly behind the scenes to make an impact. She volunteered for organizations like March of Dimes, Easter Seals, Michael Dowling School, Gillette Children’s Hospital, and Meals on Wheels. With her husband, she ran what some came to lightheartedly call Syd and Kay’s House of Charity. They were always willing to open their home to young people going through tough times, offering them a place to stay and a good meal. For years, Kay “looked after” at least a half-dozen people who needed help on a long-term basis. She and her late husband Syd received the 2011 Minneapolis Aquatennial Honorary Commodore Award, given to individuals that have demonstrated the spirit of volunteerism.
Kathryn passed away at age 87 on March 29, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Howard Lake. She is survived by her children: Stephen (Joni), Thomas, Kimberly (Brian) Beecken, Julie (Dan) Kleve. Grandchildren Jeremy and Sarah; Samantha (Kyle) Shelstad, Alexander, Charles (Courtney), Cody, and William (Priscilla); Benjamin (Katlyn), Kathryn, Emma (Sam) Johnson, Jacob, and Macie Beecken; Nathan; Morgan (Troy) Scherping and McCall Kleve; eleven great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her spouse Sydney, parents, son David, grandchildren Madeysen Kleve and Christopher Stenberg.
There will be a private burial service with a memorial service announced at a later date.
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