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Rodney Stensrud Obituary
Rodney A. Stensrud
Resident of Palo Alto
A gentle warrior and generous friend, Rod ended his hard battle with brain disease on May 31st. Rod was born on January 11, 1951 in Rapid City SD to the late Maxine & Arney Stensrud. Survived by his lifelong sweetheart, Diantha, whom he married on Valentine's Day 1981, and son, Reid Todd, age 28 of Sunnyvale. He follows his beloved brother Erik to heaven, is survived by brother Kim (wife Buffy) Stensrud of Springfield, MO and stepfamily Kristen (Baca), A.C., & Sandra Stensrud of Aurora, CO.
Rod attended St. Francis High in Mountain View and was a powerhouse on the gridiron for the mighty Lancers, setting records and charming crowds as a spectacular running back. He quickly became a legend of St. Francis football, coached by Ron Calcagno. Rod was recruited by UCLA where he played with QB Mark Harmon (NCIS) and was inducted into the SF HOF in 1979.
Rod taught PolySci at Hayward High, coached football at Logan High, and later made a career in the graphics printing industry. He was an active advocate for Alzheimer's Association, and participated in research of the long-term effects of football-related head trauma.
Rod was a hearty cook, always ready for a sports-centric gathering of friends and family who remember Rod especially for his gentle spirit, deep-hearted kindness, and loving presence. He is also remembered for his omnipresent camel-hair coat and giant warm hugs J He remains forever dear in the hearts of many friends whom he embraced as family throughout his life.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Our Lady of Fatima, Saratoga, and Pathway's Hospice for their tender care during Rod's final days. Contact: Cusimano Colonial Mortuary, Mtn. View, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Stensrud
Chad and Cherry Viso
May 30, 2025
How time has flown by! We graduated 56 years ago in 1969. We played football together for four years and you were very instrumental in Saint Francis beating Bellarmine for the first time in 1967 and then again in 1968. You were a dominate force when Saint Francis clobbered Vallejo, the #1 team in the State with 56 wins in 1968.
I lost track of you until I learned of your passing from Diane Calcagno in early 2012 while visiting the Saint Francis Campus. Now, Diane recently passed this May and I am sure you greeted her as she enter the Gates of Heaven.
You won't be forgotten by those of us who knew you.
Denny Fallon
May 30, 2023
When passing each other in the hallways of Saint Francis High School Rod would flash that sideways grin and fire off an wise crack, like "Hey tennis guy, where's your racket?" Dennis Fallon Class of 1968
steve gallagher
September 9, 2018
I was friends with Rod in 7th grade at Menlo Oaks. He had just moved to the area, and due to our mutual love of sports, we became fast friends. I moved to Walnut Creek at the end of that year, but I never forgot him. I wish I had known he had moved so close to here.
Chad Viso
January 1, 2012
Rod, rest in peace.
Chad and Cherry Viso
His heart flies with Angels & is with us always.
Diantha Stensrud
November 15, 2011
margaret klatt lowry
June 23, 2011
I keep looking for this picture I have of Rod the night before Alicia Klatt died. We were all out to dinner and Rod was huggen on Alicia the way he hugged us all. Big smile on his face. He was always so loving towards Alicia,and I am grateful of how sweet and non-judgmental he was towards my three kids Jennifer, Donovan, and Gavin. Sad for everyone. Margaret Klatt Lowry
Pam Bradley
June 17, 2011
Dearest Rod, gone too soon, buddy! While we only knew each other for a few years, I will never forget your gracious hospitality whenever I was at your house for the best parties. You and Di, always preparing the tastiest barbeques and so many laughs...yes, you were very special and will be missed. God Bless Heaven's New Angel!
Geri Alexander
June 9, 2011
Rod, you will be truly missed by your friends at the Alpine. It was always nice to see you and your smiley face as you walked through the door. If you see my Dad John up there, tell him you'd like a Bud and make sure its cold just like you like it.
Nancy Wierenga
June 9, 2011
Dear Rod,
I enjoyed meeting you when you stayed at the Stanford housing and loved listening to all the football stories. Rest in peace!
Martin Morici
June 9, 2011
Rod was an inspiration to me as a Freshman at St Francis.I too was a halfback on the Freshman team . He was someone who I looked up to .
When I met reconencted with Rod and Diantha through my friend Sue many years after St Francis and I told Rod he was the best player and example to all of us Lowly Frosh !
He was beaming !
Marty Morici
Kristin Baca
June 8, 2011
My dear brother - life is too short. I love you, your sister
linda daiuto
June 6, 2011
Rod,say hi to mom she love u to like all the klatts. You were like a brother to me. Love linda
Ron & Diane Calcagno
June 6, 2011
We have lost a good man who is going to be missed a lot. Rest in peace Rod.
Joe Drinkwater
June 6, 2011
I was a freshman when Rod played his senior class season at SF. To this day, I believe he is still the greatest running back to come out of St. Francis. At the time he played, my 3 favorite running backs were Jim Brown, Gale Sayers and Rod Stensrud. Pretty lofty company for a high school player.
Thanks for the greatest sports memories, Rod.
Rest in peace.
Joe Klatt
June 5, 2011
Rod your a great friend, teammate and you have huge heart. You invented the hug. You are at peace now.
dylia klatt
June 5, 2011
always in our hearts. xxoo
bob klatt
June 5, 2011
Rest in peace, my brother! I will miss your smile!
Bob Klatt
June 5, 2011
Rest in peace my BROTHER ! I'll miss your smile ! Bob
June 5, 2011
Rod was the best brother in law I could have asked for, my friend and fourth brother. The BarBee King in my book.
He will forever be in my heart.
Pam Duckworth Gelles
chip bluett
June 5, 2011
rod, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers forever. you'll always be there for our birthday. loved you bro.
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