Carl Russell Stenström , 81, Adrian, MO, died Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO. Funeral services 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, MO. Visitation 6:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, April 22 at the chapel. Graveside services 2:30 PM Wednesday, April 23 at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. Contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Butler, MO.

Carl was born January 8, 1927 in Des Moines, IA, the son of Russell and Eleanor (Sterud) Stenström. He grew up in Des Moines, graduating from Roosevelt High School. After graduation, Carl enlisted in the U. S. Army, entering the service as an infantry private at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. He earned the honor of Scout Marksman of US Rifle M-1 SS 173 Division. He applied and received admittance into Officer Candidate School and in October, 1945 entered active duty as a 2nd Lieutenant, commanding unit 1542 of the 18th Regiment. His unit was sent to Sackenheim, Germany where he earned the American Theatre Ribbon, EAME Ribbon, Army of Occupation Medal, an Overseas Service Bar and a Victory Medal. Carl was honorably discharged from active duty on December 31, 1946 at Ft. Sheridan, IL.

Upon returning to civilian life, Carl entered college at Iowa State University, studying architecture. He later transferred to the University of Kansas where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture. While at KU, Carl met Betty Lee Skinner. They were married on November 24, 1950.

The Korean Conflict brought a reactivation of Carl's military status and he was assigned as a Captain to the 406th Reserve Infantry Division in Kansas City, MO. The unit did not see military service in Korea.

For most of their married lives, Carl and Betty lived in the Kansas City area in a home designed and constructed by Carl. They raised four children. Throughout his adult years, Carl was a passionate architect, following the examples of Frank Lloyd Wright. He always encouraged his children to find their God given talents and use them to their fullest. He was a very active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Grandview serving as choir director, organist, and older youth Sunday School teacher. He co-sponsored the Kid's Day Out program for non-churched children of the area. Of the many activities in Carl's life, he enjoyed boating, camping, and flying the most and was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. After a couple of strokes and declining health, Carl and Betty moved to Adrian, MO where he was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Butler and recently joined VFW Post 1935 in Adrian.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Betty, of the home; three sons, Paul Russell Stenström and his wife, Sharon, Palm Harbor, FL; David Lee Stenström and his wife, Maxine, Pine Mountain Club, CA and John Eric Stenström, Kansas City, MO; one daughter, Kärin Elizabeth Stenström Lentz and her husband, Duane, Adrian, MO; one brother, Jerry Stenström and his wife, Ann, Des Moines, IA and six granddaughters.