Jon Alexander Stenstad

Jon Alexander Stenstad, 43, entered Heaven’s gates on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. He passed away peacefully in his sleep while holding his wife’s hand and surrounded by family. Jon was born in Roswell, New Mexico to Jon L. Stenstad and Silvia Muniz on April 10, 1981. He shared his happy childhood with his brother, cousins, parents, grandparents, and large extended family traveling between New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota, and Florida. He met his lifelong friends during his school years playing basketball, boating, and driving cool cars. Jon graduated from Rio Rancho High School in 1999 and worked at Firestone. He loved fixing everyone’s vehicles, anywhere, anytime.

Jon entered active duty in the United States Air Force (USAF) in 2002. In basic training, the USAF band selected him to play the bass drum because of his physical size. His band experience was memorable because he sentimentally taught the drum rhythms to his children many years later. He completed the Fire Academy at Texas A&M University and then moved to Columbus Air Force Base (AFB). Jon volunteered to serve in the Honor Guard to represent the USAF in a variety of ceremonies. He was deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and ENDURING FREEDOM. His station chief said Jon was a great asset with knowledge of multiple trades and mechanics, leadership qualities, and professionalism.

Jon separated from active duty in 2006 and started his civil service firefighter career at Holloman AFB. He moved to Florida when God provided an opportunity at Eglin AFB in 2007. Jon was an invaluable member of the Eglin Fire and Emergency Services for 17 years. He was an emergency medical technician trainer, driver/operator, fire instructor, fire inspector, and AFGE union representative. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Management in 2012 and Master of Science in Criminal Justice in 2013 at California Coast University. His commitment to service, mentorship, friendship, and unwavering dedication to the safety of Eglin AFB, Duke Field, 7th Special Forces Group, and surrounding communities will always be remembered.

Within his first year at Eglin AFB, Jon met the love of a lifetime, Amanda, and his little bestie Aurora. Jon and Amanda were married on October 2, 2010, in a legendary celebration aboard Solaris. They welcomed Eva (2011) and Jackson (2014) to their family and settled in Niceville, Florida. Jon enjoyed traveling, camping, cooking, fellowship, and building N-scale train sets, Legos, and models. His first priorities were his faith and family, and he was a member of Crosspoint in Niceville. He supported his kids’ church, school, music, book fair, and science fair activities. He coached their sport teams and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on. Jon’s kindness, humor, and quick wit will always be remembered.

Jon’s legacy lives on with his wife and best friend of 15 years Amanda, daughter Aurora (17), daughter Eva (12), son Jackson (9), Father, Jon L. Stenstad, mother Silvia Muniz, brother Christopher Stenstad (Samantha), parents-in-law George and Yvonne Hughes, brother-in-law Matthew Hughes, brother-in-law Joshua Hughes, nephews Ty Hughes, Nolan Hughes, Logan Stenstad, and nieces Lovissa Hughes, Sari Hughes, Oliva Stenstad. Jon was blessed with a large extended family, the brotherhood of fellow firefighters at Eglin Fire and Emergency Services, and those he has served with along the way.

A funeral service will be held at Crosspoint Niceville Campus, 214 Partin Drive South, Niceville, FL 32578 at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, with Rev. Herstel Carter officiating. Burial at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola will be held afterward.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Jon Stenstad to Crosspoint Niceville Campus. Heritage Gardens in Niceville is entrusted with arrangements.

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