Leslie Robert Stenehjem

Our dearly beloved Leslie Robert Stenehjem, age 67, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Leslie was born on October 22, 1958, at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis. He was baptized and confirmed at All Saints Lutheran Church in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

He graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1976 and soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force. Leslie served as an Aircraft Fuel Systems Mechanic with the 9th FMS SAC Command at Beale Air Force Base in California. His military training gave him exceptional mechanical expertise, and he became known among friends and family as the “handyman on call,” always ready with the right tools to solve problems ranging from plumbing to engines.

Leslie had a deep love for working outdoors. He owned and operated Rainforest Irrigation, installing sprinkler and watering systems for both residential and commercial properties. He first honed these skills during high school summers with a landscaping company, later building his business in Florida, Virginia, and eventually Minnesota.

In his free time, Leslie enjoyed playing bass guitar with friends, giving guitar lessons, listening to music, and, above all, riding his motorcycle. He and his brother Peter especially cherished their off-road dirt biking adventures after Leslie returned to Minnesota.

Leslie is survived by his mother, Kathleen Fish; brothers John Stenehjem and Peter Stenehjem (Carol); sisters Cynthia Sparks (Hugh), Sandra Russen (Kevin), and Susan Burke (Michael); nieces Katherine Stenehjem and Kali Russen (Nick Hafften); and nephews Mark Stenehjem (Mataya) and Scott Russen (Rayden and Ayana). He was preceded in death by his father, Julian Stenehjem, and his stepfather, Ivan Fish.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 Wayzata Blvd. East, Wayzata, MN 55391