Henry W. Stenquist Jr., a retired Vice President of Winchester Savings Bank and past Grand Chief of the Independent Order of Vikings, passed away on February 13, 2026, at the age of 91.

Henry was born in the family homestead on Alpena Avenue in Woburn. He was the son of Swedish immigrants, Henry and Karin (Florin) Stenquist. He grew up in a home steeped in Swedish traditions, customs, and values. A lifelong resident of Woburn, he graduated from Woburn High School, Class of 1952, and later attended Bentley College. Henry proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years, from 1957 to 1963.

Henry began his banking career as a teller at Woburn Five Cent Savings Bank and steadily rose through the ranks. He remained at Woburn Five for 27 years, earning the position of Vice President of Retail Banking. He concluded his distinguished career with 17 years at Winchester Savings Bank as Vice President of Operations.

For Henry, being a banker was far more than a profession—it was a way of life. His customers and the community were intertwined in one shared purpose. He assisted clients not only with their banking needs but also with life’s milestones, helping them establish retirement accounts, rainy-day funds, loans, and mortgages. His knowledge and expertise, combined with his empathy, genuine concern, and steadfast advocacy, earned him deep respect within the banking community. Generations of loyal customers knew that Henry always had their best interests at heart.

Henry believed that being a banker also meant being an active and vibrant member of the community he served. He was a member of Woburn’s Elks, the Masonic Lodge, the Towanda Club, and the Lions Breakfast Club. He participated enthusiastically in each organization’s fundraising efforts, charitable events, and social activities. He especially enjoyed bowling in the Towanda Club league and playing cribbage at the Woburn Elks.The conference room at the Woburn Social Concern Center was named for Henry for his years of service.

Henry simply loved people. He enjoyed socializing, making connections, and could command a room with his warm presence. He had a remarkable memory for names—childhood friends, customers, and colleagues alike. Whether locally or abroad, it seemed he would inevitably run into someone he knew. It was never a question of if, but how long it would take.

He was also a loyal fan of the New England Patriots, dating back to their early days playing at Harvard Stadium, Nickerson Field, and Fenway Park. Henry held season tickets for 42 years. Though he gave them up at the beginning of the Tom Brady era, he continued cheering faithfully for his team from the comfort of his living room.

Henry and his wife, Joan, shared a love of travel that began modestly with camping. Over the years, they progressed from a pop-up trailer to an upright camper and eventually to a large fifth-wheel trailer. They never wished to remain in one place but instead took to the open road in search of new adventures. Their greatest journey was a six-month retirement trip towing their fifth wheel all the way to Alaska. They treasured exploring the United States, visiting national parks and landmarks, and meeting friends from across the country. Together, they also traveled internationally, enjoying trips and cruises throughout the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Henry was also an avid collector. He enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, always searching for that one missing treasure to complete his sets. He later became passionate about Department 56 collectibles—winter and Christmas village displays. His collection included hundreds of different houses and thousands of pieces and accessories, filling ten tables in his basement during the holiday season. He spent countless hours searching for new additions, carefully arranging detailed scenes.

Henry was extremely proud of his Swedish heritage and faithfully maintained many of the traditions he learned from his parents. His parents had chosen to settle in Woburn because of its strong Swedish immigrant community. Henry was a devoted member of Woburn’s Independent Order of Vikings on Salem Street. Over the years, he held nearly every leadership role within the organization, including Chief, Vice Chief, Herald, Assistant Herald, Inner Guard, Trustee, and Treasurer—a position he faithfully served for 43 years. When the club sold its building, Henry graciously hosted meetings and social gatherings at his home on Alcine Ln in Burlington. He also served nationally in leadership roles, highlighted by his tenure as Grand Chief of the National Lodge from 1983 to 1985. While he carried many titles, he was always quick to credit his wife, Joan, for her unwavering support and partnership.

Henry lived a wonderful and full life. He saw the world, served his community, followed his passions, raised a caring and loving family, and made a lasting impact both locally and nationally through his dedication and hard work. His life embodied the words of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the World Scouting Movement: “Try to leave the world a little better than you found it.”  Henry will be sadly missed, but he will be lovingly remembered for the kindness and love he shared with all.

Henry was the beloved husband of Joan (Balestrier) Stenquist.  They met when they were working at the bank together.  They married in 1958 and shared 67 wonderful years together.  He was the loving father of Susan Stenquist of NH, Debbie Bastian & her husband Paul of Bradford, Ma, and Barry Stenquist of Hooksett, NH. He was the brother of the late Sonja Carlson & her late husband Norman and Jean Moore & her late husband Tom. He was the grandfather of Samantha Laux & her husband Will, Joseph Bastian & his wife Mairead,and Matthew, Amanda, Holly, & Tim Roderick. He was the great grandfather of Michael Laux, Connor Bastian, and Alex Laux. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA on Thursday, February 19 from 5-7pm. Funeral services at the Sullivan Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 20 at 11am. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. 

Memorial donations in Henry’s name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital;. www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of one’s own choice. 

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net