Andrew John "Andy" Stenberg,Sr.

Andrew John Stenberg Sr. (Andy), 67, passed away Tuesday morning at home in Missoula after a prolonged illness.

Andy was born July 1, 1949 in International Falls, Minnesota. He was a “Proud Viking” who moved to Missoula at the age of 3 along with his parents Arnold and Alice, big sister Arlene, who was then 16 and two brothers Rolland, 14 and Bob, 12. Through his whole life his siblings treated him like he was so special and he really was.

His Dad died when he was a freshman in high school. From then on, he went to work at gas stations including Frank Hills, Tabers Truck Stop and then Super America, so that he could help his mother and have pocket money himself. He joined the USMC when he was a senior in high school. After he got out of boot camp, he came home on leave and wanted to marry the love of his life, Loretta May Evans; so they eloped in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Boy, was his mom mad about that!

His first duty station was N. Carolina where they spent 4 months before orders came to serve in Vietnam. He was gone for a year and Loretta remembers what a long year that was. When he came home, he had a wife and 10 month old son, Andy Jr. waiting for him. Again, he was sent back to North Carolina and then to Bremerton, Washington naval ship yard where he served as an MP (Military Policy). After 4 years of service he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

They returned to Missoula where he had many good jobs including with the County Road Dept., Western Materials and the City Police Dept. for 4 years until an auto accident prevented him from being able to pass their physicals. After a few years, he worked for J.T.L. driving cement trucks and dispatching concrete until his retirement some 10 years ago. He made so many good friends along the way and loved to talk and tell jokes.

Andy leaves the love of his life and “Best Friend”, his wife of 50 years, Loretta; his sons, Andy Jr. (wife Jess), Kenny (wife Darlene); daughter Traci; 7 grandchildren, Tyler, Kelsey, Kayle, Allison, Dylan, Emilee and Kendra; 2 great-grandsons, Braxton and Kale; 4 brothers-in-law and their wives, Cliff Evans (wife Cathy), Tom Evans (wife Lorraine), Bob Evans (wife Margie) and Bill Evans; they considered Andy their Brother. To Jimmy (who preceded Andy in death), Take Care of Andy!!
Andy is also survived by a sister Arlene Svingen (husband Russ) of Eugene, OR along with a niece Debbie and 2 nephews Mark and Russell (Lisa) Svingen. Russell came to Missoula when he was 18 and lived with his Uncle Andy until he was on his feet, got out there and made a name for himself as a well-known cement finisher. He preceded Andy in death a few years ago.

Andy will be laid to rest at the Western Montana State Veteran Cemetery. Graveside services will be held at a later date and announced. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.gardencityfh.com