Obituary: Geneva Tenneson

Geneva Tenneson

Geneva Inez Tenneson died on April 26, 2023, in Sanford Hospital in Mayville, N.D.

Geneva Stastad was born April 14, 1924, to Goodwin and Irene Stastad in Mekinock, N.D.

She married Orlando Tenneson on January 10, 1944. They lived and farmed in the Mekinock area until 1952 when they moved to Sutton, N.D., to farm. Orlando and Geneva's greatest joy in life was their family. Their six children gave them eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Geneva was an amazing cook and baker. She made big meals daily for her family and it was no coincidence that people would often "stop by" at mealtimes. She served several meals each day: breakfast, forenoon lunch* dinner, afternoon lunch, supper and an evening snack. Almost every meal ended with a homemade dessert.

Through the years. Geneva was active as a 4H leader and a Sunday School teacher. She was also involved in many other community organizations. She loved music, especially country music and was a very talented musician. She played piano: organ and harmonica by ear and took violin and guitar lessons in her younger years. In her later years, she played guitar in a band for a short time. After she moved to Grand Forks, she played with the Sunshine Band.

Geneva had many other talents including painting, sewing, photography, creating jewelry and making her own greeting cards.

After the passing of Orlando, she lived in Grand Forks for 22 years, in an assisted living apartment at Hatton Prairie Village for three years and for the last two years in the nursing home. She considered the staff and the residents of Hatton Prairie Village a part of her family.

She is survived by daughters, Geraldine Kaar, Nashville, Tenn.. JoClaire Paintner, Cooperstown, N.D., and Patricia Larson (Eric Munson), Hatton, N.D.; sons, James (Jan) Sutton, N.D.; Wayne (Denise) Tenneson, Halstad Minn.; Terry (Barb)Tenneson; one brother, Emmett (Eloyce) Stastad, Mekinock, N.D.; nieces, Judy (Bruce) Carlson, Elaine (Peter) Cronquist, Jane (Jon) CoIeman; nephew, Justin Stastad; grandchildren, Paul (Nancy) Paintner, Kevin (Lisa) Paintner, Teresa (Derek) Sogge, Jason (Heidi) Gader, Cassie (Michael) Ness, Tyler (Jesica) Tenneson, Jayme (Amy) Tenneson and Jaclyn (Andrew) Hadlich; 16 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Preceding her death were her husband, Orlando; parents, Goodwin and Irene Stastad; sister, Blinda Stastad and Juliet Peden and great-granddaughter, Raetyn Hadlich.

Services were held May 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cooperstown. Fellowship and lunch at the Cooperstown Golf Course followed after the service.

In lieu of flowers please send any memorials to: Hatton Prairie Village Nursing Home 950 Dakota Ave. Hatton, ND 58240

Arrangements by Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home, Cooperstown and Finley, N.D.