A dedicated nurse whose 55-year career touched countless lives and whose generous spirit fueled decades of public service in Galesburg has died.
Alice Stenander of Galesburg died Sunday, April 6. She was 83.
Born in Iowa, Stenander left home at 18 to train at the Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque, Iowa. After graduating, she settled in Iowa City, where she worked at the University of Iowa Hospital and became one of its youngest head nurses. Later, after raising her children, she joined Western Illinois Home Health Care in Galesburg, helping grow the company and retiring as managing director after 30 years.
Obituary: Alice C. Stenander: January 9, 1942 — April 6, 2025
Described as a mentor, friend, inspiration and role model, Stenander’s influence extended beyond healthcare. Post-retirement, she remained deeply engaged in the community, serving as president of the Chapter MG PEO sisterhood, Ambassador President of the Galesburg Rotary in 2022, and a leader in the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce. She also volunteered with Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Honor Flights to Washington, D.C.
Pam Gaither, executive director of the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, wrote on Facebook, “Her charming style and generous nature were traits I greatly admired.”
Stenander is survived by her sisters Joanne (Richard) Boudreau of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Sister Mary Kivlahan of Dubuque, Iowa; her children Robert L. (Katherine) Stenander III of Chicago, Mary Alice Stenander Vick of Roanoke, Texas, and Susan L. Stenander of Evanston; and her six grandchildren: Hunter, Brayden, Jack, Ryan, Hope, and Thomas.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home in Galesburg, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, April 14, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
