Vianne Stensaas

Vianne Stensaas, a devoted educator, artist, gardener, and woman of deep faith, passed away January 30th 2026, at her home in Okmulgee, OK, surrounded by the legacy of love she spent a lifetime cultivating. Her life-spanning decades of teaching, learning, creating, and nurturing-was rooted in service to others and a profound appreciation for God's creation.

Vianne was born in Lyman County, South Dakota, near Reliance, where she was raised along the banks of the White River. The river, with its quiet power and natural beauty, fascinated her throughout her life and instilled in her a lifelong love of nature. Growing up on the ranch, she became an accomplished horsewoman and developed an enduring respect for the land. Birds, flowers, and the rhythms of the natural world brought her endless joy-especially scenes with fuchsia and aqua colors, which remained her favorites.

She was homeschooled until high school and went on to graduate as valedictorian of Reliance High School, an early testament to her dedication to learning and excellence. After high school, she attended college, and on March 5, 1954, she married the love of her life, Harlan Stensaas. Their marriage was a true partnership of nearly 72 years-a bond marked by devotion, shared purpose, and adventure.

Vianne began her teaching career in 1954, instructing fourth-grade students at the Presho schoolhouse. In 1956, she stepped away from formal teaching to devote herself fully to raising her family. She and Harlan welcomed four daughters: Starla (1956), Tamera (1957), Willa (1959), and Kirsten (1971).

During this season, Vianne devoted herself to another calling-painting. She became an award-winning artist, with her work published in the book Oil and Water. Her creativity reflected the same attentiveness and patience that defined her approach to teaching and gardening.

An accomplished gardener, Vianne was known for keeping plants alive for generations. One cherished example was a Christmas cactus that had been present in the room the day her husband was born in 1932-a living symbol of continuity, care, and history, much like Vianne herself.

In 1978, Vianne returned to teaching, embracing the unique joy of instructing her youngest daughter Kirsten's class. She later transitioned to adult literacy education in 1984, helping adults gain skills and confidence through learning. She was awarded the Mazie Walker Award in appreciation for promoting advancement of literacy. In 1989, she and Harlan moved to Minnesota, where she taught English as a Second Language (ESL). Their shared passion for education then took them overseas, and in 1993 they moved to China, where they spent ten years teaching English to countless students and building cross-cultural connections that enriched many lives.

In 2003, Vianne and Harlan returned to South Dakota to care for her ailing mother. After her mother's passing, they relocated to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to be closer to their grandchildren. There, Vianne continued her lifelong ministry of encouragement and faith. She hosted a monthly women's Christian group called Aglow and was deeply involved in her beloved home church, Four Square Gospel Church. Her faith was not only something she spoke of-it was something she lived daily, through kindness, hospitality, and steadfast love.

Vianne is survived by her husband, Harlan Stensaas; her four daughters; twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one sister. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, two brothers, and one sister.

Vianne Stensaas leaves behind a legacy of education, faith, creativity, and love that will continue to grow-much like the gardens she so tenderly cared for-across generations and around the world.

Cremation Services have been entrusted to Schaudt's Okmulgee Funeral Service. Friends & family may leave condolences and kind words of comfort at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com