Kertis Benjamin Stensrud

Kertis Benjamin Stensrud, 23, passed away leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Known for his gentle heart and steady presence, Kertis brought warmth and light into the lives of everyone who knew him. His smile was soft, genuine, and bright enough to lift a room.

Kertis had a deep love for heavy machinery and excavation, a passion that matched his self‑motivated spirit. He was a hard‑working young man who set goals with determination and met every challenge with grit. Whether tackling a tough job or lending a hand to someone in need, he never let obstacles stand in his way.

To his family and friends, Kertis was dependable, thoughtful, and quietly loving. He always showed up. Whether helping out at home, sharing a laugh by the fire, or simply offering his steady presence, he made people feel supported and cared for. Though soft‑spoken, he had a remarkable ability to make others smile.

Kertis's time with us was far too short, but the love, joy, and memories he gave will remain forever. He will be remembered not only for the work he accomplished, but for the depth of his heart, the sincerity of his character, and the way he cared so deeply for the people he loved.

*******

Kertis was born in Rochester, Minnesota, May 7, 2003, and passed away May 31, 2026. With an adventurous spirit, he enjoyed seeing new places and trying something new. He was a 2021 graduate of Stewartville High School. Prior to graduation he worked various part-time jobs, including a couple of summers doing excavation work with Grandpa. After graduation, he began working for Ag Partners in grain operations. Not one to sit idle, he added side jobs for area farmers. He started talking about running his own business, built up his equipment collection, and his dream came to fruition when KB Excavating was branded in July 2025.

Kertis is survived by his mom and stepdad, Toni and Ash Erwin; dad, Dan Stensrud; brother, Jorden (Nikki) Finne; his maternal grandmother, Barb St. John; his high school sweetheart, Zoey Kelley; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Benj St. John, paternal grandparents, Kertis and Joan Stensrud, and precious others we hold dear to our hearts.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. To honor and celebrate a loving, adventurous, and hard-working soul, please join us at 6329 County Road 108 SW in Stewartville (the farm) at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 13, 2026, for fellowship and stories of our Kertis.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Olmsted County Sheriff Department, Stewartville Fire Department, Rochester Fire Department - Station House 1, Rochester Urban Search and Rescue, Olmsted Highway Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance and Flight Paramedics and the Chaplains at Salt and Light Partners.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Stensrud family.