Richard John (Dick) Stjernstrom left this earth peacefully on May 2, 2023, at the age of 98 years, to be reunited with his wife Lillian of more than 70 years.
Dick was born on July 21, 1924, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Oscar and Lillian (Benson) Stjernstrom. He graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul in 1942. In 1943 he began his service in the Navy, and later served in the Naval reserves achieving a 23-year career and the title of Lt. Commander. As a Naval pilot, Dick flew a wide variety of military airplanes, jets and helicopters. He married Lillian (Enerson) Stjernstrom on May 28, 1949, and the couple raised three children.
Dick worked as a Civil Engineer for the Minnesota Department of Transportation first in the St. Paul office, then later in the Mankato office.
Dick enjoyed sports and played in competitive softball, golf and bowling leagues. He was a big fan of all Minnesota sports teams and closely followed the Lakers, Gophers, Twins, Vikings, North Stars, Wild and Timberwolves.
Upon retirement, Dick and Lillian (Lil) enjoyed visiting their three children, family and friends at their Largo, Florida and Cedar Lake, Wisconsin homes.
In 2015, Dick and Lil moved to All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee, Minnesota where they have many friends.
Left to honor his memory are daughters Gail (Roger) Norland and Jean (Tom Moriarty) Stjernstrom and son Bruce (Kathy) Stjernstrom; grandchildren Rachael (Kurt) Flaten, Robert (Katherine) Norland, Melanie (Matt Anderson) Moriarty and Mark (Rachel Ward-Moriarty) Moriarty; and great-grandchildren Erick Flaten, Sam Flaten, Timothy Norland, Elijah Norland, Everett Anderson, Arlo Anderson and Lydia Moriarty.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lil.
A memorial service honoring Dick will take place on July 3, 2023, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with family and friends in attendance. A Celebration of Life will follow in Eagan, Minnesota. The family will forward monetary memorials to the American Heart Association.
