Dennis David Stensby

Dennis was born on December 5, 1949, in New Rockford, North Dakota.

Dennis passed away on February 3, 2026, in Prescott, Arizona. Just three days later, his beloved wife, Cookie Stensby, passed away on February 6, 2026. Their close passing reflects a deep sadness for such a great loss for our family.

Dennis was a proud graduate of Minot High School, Class of 1968. Shortly after that, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB), Thailand, from September 5, 1972 to September 5, 1973. This base was a critical hub for the United States Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. In 1974, Dennis joined the Air Force Communications Group. He was also stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota. He carried his North Dakota roots with him wherever life took him, grounded in hard work, loyalty, and quiet strength.

Dennis was blessed with two lovely daughters, Jennifer Stensby of North Dakota and Dawn Stensby of Arizona. In 1983, he married Lora-Lee King, the mother of Carrie Ann Groul, who became a wonderful additional daughter to Dennis‘s family. In 1999, Dennis and his family moved to Prescott, Arizona, to be closer to his daughter, Dawn, and her family.

Dennis spent much of his professional life in the automotive industry, where he was respected for his leadership, reliability, and deep knowledge of his field. He served in several roles, including Internet Director and Internet Manager, for dealerships such as York Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Tim’s Auto Group, and Galpin Ford in Prescott, Arizona. In these positions, Dennis managed inventory, led sales teams, and built long-term relationships with customers through his integrity and attention to detail. He later retired after a long and dedicated career.

Above all else, Dennis was a family man. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and siblings. Many holidays, birthdays, and special gatherings were what he cherished most. Dennis enjoyed coin collecting, NASCAR, the Dallas Cowboys, good food and following the latest car innovations. His first car was a cinnamon colored ‘57 Chevy, which he loved. He was also a great supporter of those in the military.

Dennis is survived by his children:

Jennifer (Chris) Peterson, Dawn (Rob) Woods and Carrie Ann Groul; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Rick (Lynette) Stensby of Florida; his sister, Heidi (Maynard) Feist of California; his sister-in-law, Sarah Stensby of Montana; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dennis was welcomed into heaven by parents, Theodore and Margaret Stensby; his brother, Terry Stensby; his baby sister; grandparents Elizabeth and Ralph McFarland; Ole and Anna Stensby; Uncle Al and Aunt Myrtle Stensby; Aunt Mary and Uncle Alan Stoner; Aunt Katherine Ziegler; cousin Charles Millard and many more beloved friends and family.

Those who knew Dennis will remember him as funny, loving, and steady, with a dry sense of humor that often appeared when you least expected it. He didn’t need to be the loudest person in the room-his presence, kindness, and wit spoke for themselves.

Dennis, you will be missed deeply and loved forever. May your soul rest in God’s eternal peace.

A graveside service for Dennis Stensby will be at Heritage Memorial Park Cemetery, 12000 E. Heritage Memorial Lane, Dewey, Arizona 86327, on March 5, 2026 at 12 p.m.