Ford Kjell Stuen
April 13, 1992 - May 11, 2021

Beloved husband of Courtney Stuen (nee Hurley); loving father of Lucy and, soon to arrive, Penn; dear brother and brother-in-law of Torunn and Clint Johnson; dear son of Tore and Leslie Stuen; son-in-law of Michael and Susan Hurley; grandson of Eddie and Pat Ford and the late Kjell and Liv Stuen; dear nephew of Travis and Heather Ford, Gunnar Henriksen and Hege Stuen; dear uncle of Stuen Lee Johnson and Stella, Mia, Brandt and Bode Schanzmeyer; dear cousin of Brooks, Kyleigh, and Shane Ford and Kenneth and Henriette Stuen.

Ford was born in Henderson, Kentucky. He graduated from Henderson County High School in 2011. Following graduation he attended IMG Academy from 2011-2012. Ford attended Oklahoma State University and was a member of the men's basketball team. He was awarded first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection and graduated with a degree in management. Summer of 2016, he moved to St. Louis to pursue his collegiate mens basketball coaching career. In 2020 he was awarded the 'NABC Top 30 Under 30 Team' as an upcoming coach.

Not only was Ford a talented and motivated player and coach, but more importantly, he was a shining example of a good man. He loved to love, especially on people and relationships. Those who knew him best would all agree he had an undeniable ability to connect with others from all walks of life.

He reveled in a strong iced coffee, Kanye West music, and a bowl of his wife's homemade fettuccine alfredo. His life truly found purpose when he met Courtney in September of 2018. From their first dates together, he always knew she was 'the one'. They married in September 2020 and Ford gained a daughter he loved like his own, Lucy. Their family grew from 3 to 4 when they found out they were expecting this past November.  Before his illness they agreed on calling their son, Penn. His last few months were spent with all of them by his side, getting Andy's ice cream, taking rides in their new car, and searching for Easter eggs. It was evident to everyone that he loved them fiercely and couldn't wait to raise his son.

Ford was raised in a Christian home by his two parents whom he adored. During tough times he would 'always call mom', and with any life questions he would 'always call dad'. With his dad's heritage from Norway, they spent time overseas, summers on Kentucky Lake, and enjoyed other travels together as a family. He grew up playing every sport imaginable and even tried piano for a few years (which he would later joke about).  He shared a passion like his mom for creating art. In his later years, he designed canvases for commission and sketched for fun. All of his designs were distinctive, but his sister, Torunn, bragged about hers the most. It was something of which they were both proud. When it came to their brother-sister bond, it was unlike any other. There wasn't a thing in this world they wouldn't have done for each other (including skydiving with their dad).

In the stands at every sporting event, you would find Ford's grandparents, Eddie and Pat, cheering him on. They were some of his greatest advocates and supporters. He always said they were his second set of parents, especially after growing up down the street during middle school and high school. Ford also had a very unique bond with his uncle, Travis. It started with basketball, then flourished to so much more when he decided to play for him at Oklahoma State. This is when he developed a special bond with his aunt and cousins. Ford was a mentor, best friend, and 'the brother they never had'. He loved them dearly.

In life, it seemed there was little Ford couldn't overcome. Even through his final days earth-side, he was most concerned about his family and loved ones. His family and friends will honor him by living every day as he did: selflessly and full of ambition. He set the bar high for us all, and we will miss him endlessly.

Celebration of Life Service will be at Chafietz Arena on Saturday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception at Bellerive Country Club Championship Terrace. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ford Stuen Family Trust via PayPal . Livestream service at Celebration of Life for Ford Stuen - YouTube

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Parking is available in the Fred Weber Lot & the Olive/Compton Garage