GENEVA INEZ TENNESON

GENEVA INEZ TENNESON

April 14th, 1924-April 26th, 2023

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

She married Orlando Tenneson on January 10, 1944.  They lived and farmed in the Mekinock area until 1952 when they moved to Sutton, ND to farm.  Orlando and Geneva’s greatest joy in life was their family.  Their six children gave them 8 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 mealtime.  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 3 years and for the last 2 years in the nursing home.  She considered the staff and the residents of Hatton Prairie Village a part of her family.

Preceding her in death were her husband Orlando, parents Goodwin and Irene Stastad, sister Blinda Stastad, sister Juliet Peden and Great granddaughter Raelyn Hadlich.

She is survived by daughters: Geraldine Kaar, Nashville,TN; JoClaire Paintner, Cooperstown, ND; and Patricia Larson {Eric Munson}, Hatton, ND.  Sons: James {Jan}Tenneson, Sutton, ND; Wayne {Denise}Tenneson, Halstad MN; Terry {Barb}Tenneson.  One brother Emmett {Eloyce}Stastad, Mekinock, ND; Nieces: Judy [Bruce}Carlson; Elaine {Peter}Cronquist; Jane [Jon]Coleman; 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; Jaclyn {Andrew}Hadlich; 16 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.

Services will be held May 2 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cooperstown. Fellowship and lunch at the Cooperstown Golf Course after the service.

 In lieu of flowers please send any memorials to: Hatton Prairie Village Nursing Home

                                                                                        950 Dakota Avenue

                                                                                        Hatton, North Dakota  58240