×
×
homepage logo

Robert D. Stenzel, 86

Jan 10, 2016

Robert Stenzel

Blue Earth Robert (Bob) D. Stenzel went home to be with the Lord with his family by his side on Jan. 3, 2016 at United Hospital District in Blue Earth after a brief illness. Funeral services were held on Jan. 8, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Dr. Paul Meierding presided. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth.

Bob was born the oldest of four brothers to August and Elsie (Brocker) Stenzel on Jan. 15, 1928. He was born on a farm in northern Kossuth County, Iowa and grew up on a farm near Elmore. He attended rural school through the eighth grade, and graduated from Elmore High School in 1945. On Dec. 30, 1951 he married the love of his life, Joyce Thompson, at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore and they remained life partners for over 62 years until her death in August 2013. He entered the U.S Army in 1951 and served his country proudly during the Korean War. During this period Bob obtained his private pilot’s license and for a time he owned his own airplane. Upon his discharge from the army the couple settled in Lakota, Iowa where they began to raise their family which included a son, Perry, and two daughters Sheila and Connie. Bob began working for the Lakota Elevator as a bookkeeper and in 1962 began a 20 year career in the insurance industry. In 1965 the family relocated to Blue Earth, where Bob and Joyce resided for the remainder of their lives. In his later working years Bob continued to provide his bookkeeping services to several businesses and organizations in the area, as well as worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Faribault County ASCS office for eight years.

Throughout his life, Bob was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He taught them many of life’s most important lessons and principles to live by. In their later years when Joyce’s health became more frail, Bob was a devoted caregiver to his wife demonstrating what lifelong marital love is all about. Bob and Joyce loved and were proud of their family enjoying all manner of family gatherings. Bob and Joyce also enjoyed traveling and motorcycling continuing through their retirement years. Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time outdoors, as well as discussing politics and current events with anyone who was a willing partner. In his later years he learned computer skills and he looked forward to Skype sessions with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He maintained an active lifestyle, walking every day and meticulously maintaining his home both inside and outside. Lastly, Bob was a 60 year member of the American Legion, and he continued to proudly serve his fellow veterans as a dedicated member of the Honor Guard for area veterans’ funerals right up until his death.

Bob is survived by his children, son, Perry (Arlene), of Lakeville; daughters, Sheila (Darcy) Taylor, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Connie (Dennis) Holtz, of Renner, South Dakota; four grandchildren and their families; Chad (Tasha), Jackson, Julia and Graham; Brent (Melissa), Avery and Jamison; Heather (Derek) Andersen, and Laura (Daniel) Stewart and Evie; and in addition several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Joyce; an infant daughter; three brothers, Bill, Howard and Myrl; three brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either The United Hospital District Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Web tributes can be made at www.pattonfh.com