Ann Stennes

Ann S. Stennes, age 97, of Bemidji, MN, died Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at North Country Regional Hospital, Bemidji, MN.

Honorary pallbearers will be her five sons: John, Jim, Paul, Richard and Mark.

Ann Sophie Back was born, April 10, 1909, to Peter and Caroline (Frisk) Back in Waskish, MN, one of six children. She graduated from Bemidji High School in 1929 and married Oscar Stennes of Hendrum, MN in 1934. Ann and Oscar raised their children on a farm near Nary before moving back into Bemidji where she returned to Bemidji State University and obtained her teaching degree in 1961. She enjoyed 14 years as an elementary school teacher at Bemidji, Laporte and Red Lake schools, retiring in 1974 at age 65.

Ann has been blessed with a very active life and has been a dedicated volunteer in her community. Some of her volunteer work and Board involvement has included Bemidji Federated Women's Club, Beltrami County Cancer Society, North Country Hospital Auxiliary, Beltrami County Council on Aging, Retired Teachers Association, several PTAs, Beltrami County Historical Society, and the Bemidji Affiliate of American Swedish Institute. In addition, she was an active member of First Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, participated in the circles, acted on church boards and was Church Women President two times. She was also an active supporter of the Bemidji Senior Citizens' Center where she served as hostess and participated in dances, fashion shows, pancake breakfasts and other events.

Ann had the great honor of being chosen as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of Beltrami County in 1985, received the 1987 National Community Service Award from AARP and was runner-up in the contest for the Outstanding Senior Citizen of Minnesota. In 1995 she was crowned Midsommar Queen by the American Swedish Institute-Bemidji Affiliate.

Ann is survived by five sons: John (Shirley) Stennes, Duluth, MN, Jim (DeEtte) Stennes, Dallas, TX, Paul (Geri) Stennes, Bemidji, Richard (Nilla) Stennes, La Jolla, CA, and Mark (Diane) Stennes, New Brighton, MN; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren; and brother Glen Back, Tucson, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Oscar, and sisters, Elvera Hall, Sally Forsell and Hildur Taylor. Ann's 100 year old sister, Claire Porter of Vero Beach, FL, died within hours of Ann's death.

Memorials may be directed to Bemidji Senior Center on 3rd Street, and First Lutheran Church on 9th and Bemidji Avenue, in Bemidji.