Ernest Stenstrop

Ernest “Ernie” Stenstrop, 91, of South Barrington, passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2018. He was born on March 29, 1927, in Chicago to Carl and Emma (née Jensen) Stenstrop.

Ernie was born in Chicago to Danish parents. He spent part of his childhood in Denmark, returning to the U.S. when he was 10. He was ever both a proud American and a proud Dane. When World War II broke out, he joined the army as soon as he turned 18 to aid his country and the world. Returning from the war, Ernie, a graduate of Lane Tech, went to University of Illinois and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Architecture. After graduation he secured a position with the Chicago Park District, where he placed his permanent stamp on the architecture of the city. His work includes the Merrimac Park field house, the Farm in the Zoo at the Lincoln Park Zoo and an addition to the Garfield Park Conservatory. Ernie later worked for the firms Lawrence Monberg and A.M. Kinney before settling into the longest stint of his career at IBM Corp. After retiring from IBM, he spent time living and working in Japan.

Ernest was an avid skier his whole life, continuing well into his 80s. He was a world traveler and visited hundreds of destinations with his family, and especially with his wife Darlene. He was a gardener, a golfer and a dancer. Ernie was a man who loved life and lived it abundantly. Part of many clubs—such as Club 50, Sanctuary Ski Club, Sundowners Ski Club and Prairie Club, among others—he made many friends and brought delight and fun to so many people.

Ernie will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Darlene (née Morris), who was his partner in adventure and love; his daughters, Linda Reboletti (Darren), Leslie Womack (Wayne), and Victoria Doyle (John); stepchildren Clifton Schmidt (Julie), Scott Schmidt (Kathy), and Dawn Johnson (Ken); nephew Tim Stenstrop (Cindy), and 25 adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ralph and Clifford Stenstrop, and his former wife, Lois Stenstrop (née Lavelle).

Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main Street (Lake-Cook Rd), Barrington. Visitation will resume on Thursday, Oct. 11, at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood.