Francis Alan Stenberg
January 20, 1936 ~ September 5, 2026
“Jesus answered him,”Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Memorial Services for Fran will begin at 1:00p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church, Sioux Falls, SD, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts for the family’s needs or to The Gideons International, Madison Camp, PO Box 116, Madison SD 57042.
Fran A. Stenberg was born in a farm house in Iowa just south of Elmore, MN. At two months old, he traveled on his first trucking trip. He graduated from Elmore High School in 1954. He was then inspired to be a trucker and drove for 18 years.
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3
April 20, 1974, at the age of 39, he gave his life to Jesus Christ, asking Him to not only be his Savior, but his Lord also. Pastor Gayle Fischer encouraged him to become a board member at the Union Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls, SD, where God placed him as Executive Director for 43 years; June 1976 until he retired in June 2019.
Fran married Rory Rae Johnson and during their 39 years of marriage, they spent much of their time working together and traveled to many places. Their love for music and singing was evident during worship, concerts, and events. They sang their way through various hymnals on road trips. Fran also played the harmonica and enjoyed yodeling.
Fran was a man that loved to study God’s Word and proclaim it. He walked a walk of faith and prayer. He was a source of compassion and a pillar of strength and grace. He was devoted and unwavering in serving Christ and people. He loved the Lord and always had a positive outlook. Fran often said, “I am just an old dog, a pointer dog, pointing people to Jesus so they too could find salvation in Him and learn from God’s Word.”
Fran became a Gideon on October 7, 1993 and loved this ministry passionately. His love for the Lord was evident in all that he did. He loved his Savior Jesus Christ.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6
Fran is survived by his wife, Rory; children, Rodney, Georgia, Jolene, Tracey, and Josiah; grandchildren, Travis, Jennifer, Jessica, Nicole, Jeremy, Tony, Ecko, Rowan, and Faye; eighteen great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
We loved Fran (and we still love Rory & Josiah). He was a Rescue Mission friend and brother. We’re very sorry we are not able to make it to the Celebration of Life service.