Lyle 'Popcorn' Stenersen

Lyle “Corn/Popcorn” Monroe Stenersen, 69, of Rindge, NH, passed from time into eternity on Friday, January 26, 2024, after a long hard battle of many years with a broken body and a battered heart.

Lyle was born April 17, 1954, to Einar and Angie (Nelson) Stenersen in Vancouver, WA.  He grew up a humble farm boy in Brush Prairie, WA.  Growing up on the farm with his 12 siblings picking berries and beans, he learned to work hard from a young age and carried that hard work ethic with him through life.

Lyle picked up driving at a young age and later went on to drive “big rigs” for many years.  Most recently he drove for Wal-Mart Transportation out of Raymond, NH, where he retired after 22 years.  He was a very accomplished truck driver and competed on the National level in truck rodeos and was awarded in 2015 for 2 Million safe and accident free miles! 

In his truck driving years Lyle was honored to drive in the Wreaths Across America tour, he kept pen pals with his Trucker Buddy Class in Washington state, and Wal-Mart Heart Program too.  He loved driving, and loved all of the people he worked with and met along the way.

Lyle loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and he did his best to shine that light of love wherever he went. He took that task seriously, and all who knew him could feel and see that light shining bright.  From birthday voicemails to the candy cane gospel, he sprinkled joy wherever he went. Lyle had a great sense of humor and his infectious smile and twinkling brown eyes brought joy and laughter to life. He was always ready for a friendly tease, practical joke, or some good clean fun with those he loved. (don’t let any of his children talk you into hypnotism or identifying the stars... That, my friend, is a trap!)

Lyle married the love of his life, his “blue eyed beauty”, Susie, on August 31, 1973. They lived most of their married life in Rindge, New Hampshire, where they raised their 6 children, whom he was so very proud of. He taught his children the hard work he was raised on and the love of family and the Lord.

His weeks were spent driving trucks and his weekends were spent tinkering around the house and yard. He was always working on a project, and great at problem solving (he was also great at being curious and pressing buttons that might bring up more problems... but he kept life interesting that way!).

He enjoyed spending his time off with his family- camping, beach days, road trips, berry picking, burning brush, listening to NASCAR races, Sunday morning waffles and Sunday evening popcorn.  He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family so very well and they will all dearly miss him.   

Lyle would love it if you...  sought the Lord in His Word, squeeze your loved ones tight, lend a hand to those in need, share a meal, buy a coffee, spend some time with the lonely, and love others well. 

Lyle is survived by his adoring wife of 50 years, Susie (Seppala) Stenersen, of Rindge, NH. His children, Leon and wife Elisa of Amboy, WA. Nolan and wife Esther of Calhan, CO. Carson and wife Mindy of Yacolt, WA. Amanda and husband Tim West of Prosser, WA. Marlon and wife Brittany of New Ipswich, NH. Mary and husband Amos Estola of New Ipswich, NH.   His pride and joy, his 33 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren (soon to be 8!)     And his siblings: Ronnie with wife Lorraine of Boynton Beach, FL. Juanita Jussila of Brush Prairie, WA. Violet Rhoades of Greer, SC. Glen of Brush Prairie, WA. “Skip” and wife Karen of Landrum, SC. Arlene and husband Donald Seppala of Taylors, SC. Lloyd and wife Debbie of Ridgefield, WA. Lowell and wife Jane of Richland, WA. Philip and wife Heidi of Rindge, NH.   As well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and close friends.

He was pre-deceased by both of his parents, his brothers Leslie and Loren, and his sister Ada Kujala.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Ashburnham Apostolic Lutheran Church, 315 Winchendon Rd. (Rte. 12) Ashburnham, MA 01430.   The family encourages everyone to dress casually and comfortably in Lyle’s favorite color – blue!

Funeral services will be held immediately following calling hours on Thursday at 12:30 PM in the Ashburnham Apostolic Lutheran Church.  Pastor Colin Kinnunen will officiate.

Burial will take place in the Spring at Hillside Cemetery in Rindge, NH.   

Due to specific allergies (lilies), Lyle’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions in Lyle’s name to the Wal-Mart Heart Program, which he loved.  Checks may be made payable to Ashburnham ALC, earmarked "Walmart Heart" 315 Winchendon Rd. (Rte. 12) Ashburnham, MA 01430.