Rev. Dr. Stanford O. Stenson, 88, moved to his heavenly home at 9:30am December 29, 2015 surrounded by his family at his home in Rapid City, SD. He was born April 7th, 1927 in Alexandria, Minnesota to Samuel & Inez Stenson.

Stanford grew up in Alexandria active with high school football, the Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts of America attaining Eagle Scout, Gloria De Patria, and Order of the Arrow. In his senior year in high school at age 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy serving with distinction as Yeomen in WWII. While assigned to a Mine-Sweeper with the Pacific Fleet he is credited with saving his ship holding the wheel during the hurricane waves for three days without sleep. After the war Stanford returned home to further his education.

He graduated Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota majoring in psychology in 1949. He experienced the call from the Lord to attend Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and was ordained in 1952. He attended Columbia University in NYC for advanced theological education. One of the greatest miracles of his life was to meet and marry Doris Gundersen of Staten Island, NY June 29th, 1952.   His first assignment was to serve three rural congregations in southern Minnesota that included Our Saviors Lutheran in Lyle, Minn., Mona Church, and a Lutheran Church in Three Mile Grove.

In 1959 Stanford, Doris and son Stephen, daughter Brenda, and son Paul moved to Teaneck, New Jersey across the Hudson River from NYC where he was pastor of Our Saviors Lutheran Church for eight years. During this period Stanford's leadership guided the purchase and creation of a 1200 acre Bible Camp called Koinonia in north of NYC which remains in existence today. Other activities during this period he served on the Executive Board of Eager Norwegian Nursing Home in State Island, NY. His youngest son Daniel was born during this time.

Stanford was an active civil rights leader who stood with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the steps in Washington, DC during the "I have a Dream" speech. His lifetime was committed to sticking up for the rights of the disenfranchised, minorities, poor, homeless, sick, and those experiencing social injustice.

In 1966 he received a scholarship from Eli Lilly Foundation to pursue his doctorate degree at Indiana University, in Bloomington, Indiana. He created the Xerox Corporation's Listening Skills training system. While working on his doctorate he served as Chaplin for the Crane Navel Ammunition Base in Columbus, Ohio.

In 1970 he moved the family of six to Sioux Falls, SD accepting a position as Dean of Continuing Education for Augustana College. There he is credited for developing programs for regional hospital systems, Earth Resource Observation Satellite Center (EROS), and several theological and community programs.

In 1974 Stanford to appointed to the National Headquarters of the Lutheran Church of America based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As Director of Professional Leadership Development he created the national WORD & WITNESS program, still used today throughout the country.

Stanford in 1979 accepted a call from Thiel College, in Greenville, Pennsylvania as Dean of Adult Continuing Education. He is credited for starting their computer science division, as well as several community interfaith programs. He retired from Thiel College in 1997.

Both Doris & Stan enjoyed travel the United States several times in their motor home. In 2006 they moved to Rapid City, and purchased a home across the street from daughter Brenda Werdin and family on Meadowbrook Golf Course.

In Stanford's final days while experiencing the dramatic effects of Alzheimer's disease he remained happy, content and kind, always willing to lend a hand to someone. He attended the Western Resources Day Hospital program where he had many friends.

Stanford is survived by his wife Doris of 63 years, son Stephen, granddaughter Dr. Sofia Kennel & Dr. Scott Kennel, daughter Brenda Werdin, her husband Larry, son Charles, and daughter Kenda. Also son Paul Stenson of Phoenix, and Daniel Stenson, wife Margie, sons Owen, Eric, and Evan also of Phoenix.

A memorial service will be held at South Canyon Lutheran Church on Saturday morning, viewing beginning at 9am, and funeral service beginning at 10:30am. Following the service there will be refreshment provided by the church.

Inurnment will be at the National Cemetery in Sturgis on Monday morning at 11:00 with honors and 21 gun salute presented by the Joint Military Guard.

In lieu of flowers Stanford requests that monetary gifts be given to the United Way of Black Hills-Rapid City. www.unitedwayblackhills.org

Stanford also said "I know where I am going", and would always point his finger up. His enduring love of the Lord and his passion for the ministry helped many throughout the world. He served his life rich in the fullness of Christ's gracious love for us all. Today Stanford rejoices with all the Saint's who have gone before us.