Kurt Stenehjem

Apr 4, 1951 -

Sep 14, 2025

Kurt Willis Stenehjem, an independent and adventurous Alaskan to the very end, passed away peacefully at his remote lakefront cabin outside of Seward, Alaska, on Sept. 14, 2025, at the age of 74.

Seeking adventure, his parents Earl and Betty Stenehjem moved to the Territory of Alaska shortly after World War II, with Kurt inheriting that same daring spirit. Born on April 4, 1951, in a humble log cabin built by his father near downtown Anchorage, Kurt's birth announcement was written as a label from the family owned Alaska Potato Chip Company.

After participating in the statehood bonfire celebration in 1959 at the Anchorage park strip, and surviving the rattling and rolling of the 1964 earthquake, Kurt graduated from West Anchorage High School. He subsequently joined the National Guard for a brief period, followed by a raucous time attending Pacific Lutheran University.

Upon his return to Alaska, Kurt began working with his father, learning the twin trades of design and construction for residential, multi-family and commercial building. He then progressed to real estate development which culminated in the construction of an aviation subdivision in Willow, Alaska, named Honeybee Lake Aeropark. Always passionate about startups, he also owned and operated a bed-and-breakfast, a fly in remote lodge and drive-up coffee shops.

As an outdoor enthusiast, his desire for fun challenges took him on many adventures. Early on he learned to fly following in his father's footsteps who was a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot flying during the war. As an athlete, Kurt excelled at trail running, backcountry and downhill skiing. He also was a talented builder, writer, story teller, photographer, videographer and baker.

Kurt is survived by his sisters, Susan Andres and Kae Lourie; two daughters; and five grandchildren. Kurt's quick wit, sense of humor, endless energy and passion for new ideas and projects will be missed greatly. No funeral is planned, but a fly in celebration of life for summer 2026 will be posted on the Little Johnstone Lake Enthusiast Facebook page.