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Sigvard “Sig” E. Stene, 95, of Lindstrom, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5 p.m., with his children by his side.

Born on June 11, 1930, in the family home in Eau Galle Township, Wisconsin, Sig was the son of Peter John and Beatrice Augusta Stene (née White). He grew up in a large, loving family, and it was during his years at Woodville High School that he met the love of his life, Dorothy Roepke—a friendship that blossomed into an eight-year courtship, and became a marriage that lasted 57 years.

In 1948, shortly after high school, Sig enlisted in the United States Army. He served with honor for four years, rising to Staff Sergeant before being discharged in 1952. The discipline, leadership, and sense of duty he cultivated in the military stayed with him for life.

Education was both his passion and his path. Sig earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Chemistry, with a minor in Biology and Mathematics, from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 1956. After he and Dorothy married on August 3, 1957, they moved to Colfax, Wisconsin, where he began his teaching career. Sig then completed his Master of Education with an emphasis in Chemistry from the University of Northern Iowa- Cedar Falls. During this time, the couple welcomed their first daughters, Diane and Karen.

In 1960, Sig accepted a teaching position at ChiHi in Lindstrom, Minnesota—a move that would shape both his career and his family’s future. A gifted educator, he inspired students through chemistry, biology, and mathematics, and helped expand collegeprep opportunities within the district. In 1966, he was honored as Educator of the Year. Lindstrom became the family’s permanent home, and it was there that Sig and Dorothy welcomed their younger children, Pete and Mary.

As the school district prepared for consolidation into what would become Chisago Lakes, Sig was appointed Business Administrator in 1969. He served in this role with unwavering integrity for 25 years, retiring in 1994.

Sig’s devotion to community went far beyond education. In 1969, he was elected to the Lindstrom City Council for seven years, and he went on to serve 18 years as Mayor—a tenure marked by steadiness, collaboration, and genuine care for the people he represented. He was deeply involved in regional leadership as well, contributing 16 years of service to the League of Minnesota Cities in roles including Secretary, Vice Chair, and Ambassador. He was an active voice on the Highway 8 Taskforce, always championing thoughtful growth and community engagement.

He also dedicated decades to service organizations including the American Legion, Chisago Lakes Lions Club, and Hiram Masonic Lodge #287, where he was a 61 year member. Sig became a Master Mason in 1964 and received the Hiram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. He served two terms as Master of the Lodge. As a Shriner, he continued his lifelong commitment to helping others. Sig and Dorothy were faithful members of Trinity Lutheran Church for more than six decades. 

Despite all his accomplishments, Sig’s heart was always rooted in simple joys: traveling with Dorothy, spending winters in Mesa, Arizona, savoring summers at their beloved cabin on Bone Lake in Luck, Wisconsin and sharing coffee, dinners, drinks and conversation with friends and family. 

Sig lived by values that shaped everything he touched. He believed in hard work, humility, education, and service.  He met life’s challenges with quiet strength and unwavering determination yet carried a tenderness and generosity that made everyone around him feel seen and cared for. Above all, Sig loved his family deeply—and they were, without question, the center of his world. His influence and example live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Sig is preceded in death by his cherished wife, Dorothy; his parents, Peter and Beatrice; eight siblings and their spouses—Bernice (Howard) Jacobson, Grace (George) Lokken, Peter E Stene, Mary Margaret (Charles) Langeness, Helen (Irv) Holzer, Violet (Paul) Lamb; one brother and one sister who died in infancy; nephews Charles E. Langeness, Scot Langeness, Greg Holzer; and niece Pat King.

He is survived by his four children; Diane (Craig) Reinking, Karen (Rudy) Cranford, Peter (Becki Carroll) Stene, and Mary (Shawn) Gray; 12 grandchildren—Troy, Jena, Michael, John, Lauren (Tyler), Alex, Jack, Hannah, Zachary, Haley, Cashton, and Adison; one greatgranddaughter, Myla and many extended family members and friends who hold him dear.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Ecumen Hospice for thoughtfully caring for and honoring Sig’s final journey with compassion, dignity, and grace and a special thanks to the caring staff at Lindstrom Senior Living. 

A funeral service of Sig’s life will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Baldwin, Wisconsin.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.grandstrandfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local Alzheimer’s chapter, Ecumen Hospice, or Trinity Lutheran Church.

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