Two Tributes in One to Kenneth Hall

Tribute courtesy of Rolf and Thor Stensrud

The brothers Stensrud, Rolf (THS ’56) and Thor (THS ‘ 57) have warm, positive memories of their boyhood friend, Ken, the Reverend Kenneth Hall (THS ’56).

Rolf and Ken were close having gone through PS #8, THS ’56, and Wagner College ’60.  Their friendship grew and strengthened during Cub Scouts, learning to drive in his ’51 Ford and sharing teenage thoughts.  Even at a young age Ken demonstrated an inner peace and interest in the underprivileged.

During college, Thor and Kenny struck up a friendship as intense and strong as was Rolf’s and Kenny’s.  They debated ultimate questions of theistic relevance over hot sausage sandwiches at Aquilino’s.  They both had the propensity to question authority and ask politically sensitive questions which oftentimes challenged the status quo.

Kenny went to Moravian College and completed his degree to become a Moravian minister.  His ordination was delayed because Kenny, true to form, refused the assignment of a prosperous suburban parish.  He wanted to minister to the needs of the urban underprivileged.  His wish was finally granted, after a punitive delay at Moravian College, as he was assigned to a small Moravian Church in the lower east side of New York City.  His unselfishness and love of his parishioners was cherished by all who came in contact with him, and he helped his church flourish against huge odds.

He was transferred to a suburban Moravian Church in Midland Beach, Staten Island.  In this Church, at Christmas 1976, Kenny baptized Thor’s daughter Whitney.

At age 50, Ken had a son, but five years later, Ken died of Leukemia.

Ken accepted his fate with peace and warmth.  He had established knowledge of himself and the faith he had accepted and for which he lived.  He touched many lives, and he would have touched many more if his life had not been taken at such a young age.  Too short.  We miss you Kenny.

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