David Arnold Stenhjem

David Arnold Stenhjem, 67, died Saturday, October 12, 2019 at his home in rural Frazee, MN. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, October 18, 2019 at 2:00pm at the West-Kjos Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. David Stenhjem, son of Truman and Hazel (Smedshammer) Stenhjem, was born April 26, 1952 in Fargo, ND. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo. David grew up and attended school in Fargo, graduating from Fargo South High School in 1970. Following high school, David enlisted in the U. S. Army and proudly served his country as a Military Police Officer retiring after 20 years of military service. He was stationed in Germany and various military bases across the United States including Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; Fort Carson, Colorado; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1974 David was united in marriage to Susan Santos in Texas. To this union a son, Michael, was born. Upon his retirement from military service, David moved to Detroit Lakes and attended Detroit Lakes Technical College, receiving an Associate’s degree in small business and auto body. David worked over the years in autobody and as a commercial truck driver. He received the North Dakota Truck Driver of the Year award. In his retirement, he drove school bus for the Detroit Lakes school district and Schultz Transportation. David was a fan of auto racing, enjoyed working on cars, tinkering in his shop, watching his bird feeders, and spending time with his granddaughter, Tilly. He is survived by his son Michael (Jodi Zacher) Stenhjem, Michael’s daughter Tilly and Jodi's daughter Aubrianna of Detroit Lakes; sisters: Karen (Fred) Blum of Detroit Lakes; Diane (Kent) Haugen of Winnipeg; Nancy Hofstrand of Lake Park; Janet (Jim) Ward of Detroit Lakes; Tracy Stenhjem of Fargo; nieces and nephews: Eric Haugen of West Fargo; Kari (John) Thorson of Arthur, North Dakota; Grandniece Medora Thorson; and other extended family and friends. David was preceded in death by his parents: Truman and Hazel Stenhjem; brother-in-law: Rick Hofstrand; nephew: Christoffer Haugen. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.