Roger Darin Stensaker

Roger Darin Stensaker, 53, passed away on March 3, 2026 in Jackson, Michigan. He was born on December 13, 1972, in Williston, North Dakota to Roger and Sharon Stensaker.

Roger was raised in Williston, where his love of sports began at an early age. Baseball was a lifelong passion, both playing and watching the game. He was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves and later adopted the Detroit Tigers as his home team after moving to Michigan. He also enjoyed cheering on the Denver Broncos. Roger could almost always be found wearing a baseball cap representing one team or another, whether it was “his” team or not.

He graduated from Williston High School in 1991. He lived and worked in Williston until moving to Indiana in 1997. In 2000, he relocated to Jackson, where he began working for Gerdau Steel. Roger remained a dedicated employee there until his passing.

While living in Jackson, Roger met Lisa Wheeler, and together they welcomed two children, Dariann and Xanndra. Although their paths eventually went in different directions, his love for Dariann and Xanndra never wavered. From the moment they were born, they were the lights and loves of his life. He was fascinated by everything about them—their personalities, their interests, their laughter, and the ways they saw the world. All these years later, they remained his favorite people. He loved them immensely and unconditionally, without hesitation and without fail.

Roger was a quiet man who often kept to himself. Yet with those he loved and felt comfortable around, he revealed a playful spirit. He enjoyed joking, laughing, and occasionally pulling pranks. He liked bowling, video games, energy drinks, and was a fan of Star Wars. Gift-giving was his love language, and he took great care in noticing what people liked. If he knew someone enjoyed something, he would always make sure to find it for them. He found genuine joy in giving thoughtful gifts and remembering the little things that mattered to others.

He was loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed by those who knew and cared for him. Words can hardly express how much he meant to his family and friends.

Roger is survived by his beloved children, Dariann and Xanndra; his father, Roger (Mary) Stensaker; his brother, Glenn (Kim) Stensaker; his sister, Amy (Steven) Armstrong; his step-sisters, Jennifer (Clint) Strietzel and Kimberly (Justin) Ulich; as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon; his paternal grandparents, Stanley and Meatta Stensaker; and his maternal grandparents, Francis and Luella Schmitz.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 2:30 PM at the Desnoyer Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 136 Years