Bjorn A.Stenseng's Obituary
Bjørn Alfred Stenseng
February 12, 1935 – October 5, 2023
Bjørn Alfred Stenseng, 88, was born on February 12, 1935 in Lillehammer, Norway to Leif and Julie Stenseng. He was followed 7-years later by a sister Inger Johanne (or “Nanne”). He enjoyed a happy childhood in Lillehammer. As a young boy he was very creative and enjoyed drawing and making things, especially custom wooden airplanes. His painted planes always decorated the ceiling in the family home. When the war was over, life was good.
Growing up, Bjørn was a skilled and extremely strong gymnast. On the rings, he could do the “iron cross” and could walk on his hands as far as he wanted. When he finished high school, he continued studies at a trade-school in Lillehammer to become a welder and blacksmith. He also loved driving his motorcycle and anything mechanical.
His cousin Raymond from America visited Norway in the early 50’s and encouraged him to immigrate. On October 4, 1953, when Bjørn was only 18 years old he left Norway and made the long journey alone to America to join his cousin and other family in North Dakota. He worked on their farm until traveling further west to Seattle. He worked a number of odd jobs until reuniting with his childhood friend Freddie Hjelseth. He and his family had also immigrated from Lillehammer. It was through them that he met Anne-Magrethe Lee. They fell in love and were married on Christmas Day 1955. Together they had 2 sons, Stein and Ben. As a young father he worked at Tacoma Boat shipyard as a welder. Later he partnered with his friend Freddie as a general contractor and began building custom homes. Soon he struck out on his own starting Stenseng Construction taking on numerous projects.
During their marriage of 41 years, Bjørn and Anne-Margrethe raised their two sons and built, lived-in, and sold several custom homes in the Tacoma area. Stein had a very successful career with the State of Washington until his retirement. Ben followed in his father’s footsteps as a builder and general contractor. Bjørn was very proud of his family.
While happy with the life he had made, his love for Norway never diminished. Bjørn and Anne-Margrethe traveled back to Norway most years enjoying his cabin and the family farm in Lillehammer. After his retirement, Bjørn and Anne-Margrethe spent more and more time there adding on to their cabin until her untimely death in 1996. After that, he split his time between the two countries devoting more time to becoming a skilled wood carver building numerous beautiful cabinets, chairs and grandfather clocks.
Throughout his life he kept in touch with his many childhood friends. He saw them regularly until he was no longer able to travel and loved spending time with them.
On one trip returning from Norway to be the best man at Ben’s wedding, he met Marianne Severinsen from Denmark. They were married in 2011. They had many happy years together enjoying time with friends and family. She was his loving companion and was by his side when he passed away at the age of 88 on October 5, 2023.
Bjørn is survived by his wife, Marianne; his children, Stein (Tana) and Ben (Ruth Crosby); grandson Ian; sister Inger Persson; and extended family.
A memorial service at his home is currently being planned for November, 2023.
A heart of gold stopped beating
working hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best
Leaves and flowers may whither
The golden sun may set
But the hearts that loved you dearly
are the ones that won't forget
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