Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Robert Stensen
He logged his last mile in his prized semi truck on Friday, June 2nd, 2016. Robert Iner Stensen, 59 years old, of rural Augusta was born June 1, 1957, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Iner and Virginia (Rahl) Stensen. On June 6th, 2016, he passed away unexpectedly at Mayo Clinic Health System-Oakridge in Osseo, Wisconsin.
Robert was raised on the Stensen Family Farm in the township of Otter Creek in Augusta, Wisconsin, where he currently resided. His childhood days were spent along side his brothers and father, tending to the farm. As a little boy, Robert learned to drive tractor and developed a passion for farming that continued to grow. He also loved to go downtown Augusta for coffee and the latest news around town. This tradition carried on throughout his entire life, with frequent visits to Carol's Spur and the Hotspot for breakfast. Robert truly loved the city and people of Augusta.In 1975 Robert graduated from Augusta High School. He was united in marriage on September 10, 1977 to Julie Ann Becker at Bethlehem Church in Augusta. Soon after graduation, Robert began his truck driving career. He started out driving for Dale Randall and Sons which was followed by a trucking position at Bush Brothers and Company in Augusta until 1994. At that time, Robert took over the family farm and began dairy farming full time. To advance his knowledge and better the farm, he spent many hours attending “farm class” at Chippewa Valley Technical College. His dairy farming operation continued until 2007 when he decided to sell the cows and focus hisefforts towards cash cropping. Robert tended hundreds of acres of corn and beans and took much pride in his fields. He always strove to have the best yield as possible while still protecting the land.
Using his retired Bush's Truck, he hauled all of his own harvest as well as the harvest of many neighboring farmers. In addition to crop farming, Robert re-entered the trucking business shortly after selling the cows. For several years, he worked for Donny Brott hauling hay until most recently when he was blessed with a position at Jade Transport out of Winnipeg, Canada and J Train Transport out of Minnesota. He was very proud to be apart of the Jade fleet. He always kept his truck spic and span as he traveled across the US. Robert had a work ethic and drive to be envied that touched many people along the way. He never complained about a days work, no matter how early his day started or how late it finished.
He truly loved his life as a farmer and a truck driver, and that love and passion overflowed on those around him.Besides work, Robert also made time to have fun on his many toys. In the summer, he delighted in riding his Honda Goldwing with his wife Julie. He also enjoyed checking on his fields with his Polaris UTV. During wintertime, he anxiously awaited the first snowfall and opening day of the snowmobile trails. He loved the camaraderie of going snowmobiling with a group of friends and making stops at local bars along the way to socialize. Robert loved anything that he could drive and wanted to share that enthusiasm with anyone who was interested, especially his three beloved granddaughters. They received many rides around the farm and through the fields.The light of Robert's life was his family.
He leaves behind his wife Julie of 38 years, three children and their spouses Zachary Stensen and Zoe Hawk of Doha, Qatar, Jessie (Bill) Trescher of Osseo and Bobby (Adam) Sewell of Middleton, WI; as well as three precious grand daughters whom he loved so dearly Violet, Lyla, and June Trescher.Robert is also survived by his father Iner and Joan Stensen, and siblings; Jeff (Karen) Stensen of Augusta, Rhonda (Steve) Thompson of Eau Claire, Jerry (Cindy) Stensen of Augusta, John (Iva Peck) Stensen of Fairchild, Beth (Wayne) Johnson of Eau Claire, and Peter (Shelly) Stensen of Augusta. As well as Julie's family, mother Jane Becker of Fall Creek, and sisters' Jo Ann (Bill) Burri of Reedsville, WI, Pat (Matt) Gabler of Augusta, and Laurie (Joel) Pettis of Eau Claire.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Stensen in 1986; and father-in-law Norman Becker in 2003. Robert's easy going nature, crooked grin, and warm and generous heart will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. He truly loved helping out his community of family, friends, and neighbors whenever they were in need.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church and from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Services will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Augusta.
The family is assisted by the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.
