Russell Charles Stenzel, 88

Le Sueur – Russell (Russ) Charles Stenzel, age 88, of Le Sueur, passed away on June 19, 2023.

Russell was born to Otto and Pearl Stenzel on Oct. 30, 1934, on a farm in north Kossuth County, Iowa. One of his greatest loves was football. He loved sharing stories about Elmore High School’s undefeated football team that he was a part of. After high school he became involved with the family farm that he grew up on, and continued to farm, while also obtaining his licenses for both real estate and securities. Russ was united in marriage to Elaine Dulas on Feb. 4, 1956. He volunteered his time as a Sunday school teacher and an elder in his church. Russ loved spending time on family boating outings, water skiing, flying model airplanes and many different musical genres – of course, all the big bands. He especially loved traveling. One of his favorite travel destinations was a cruise to Alaska. If you ever talked to him about travel, he would tell you that you must travel to Alaska, because it’s a once in a lifetime trip. Russ was passionate about roller skating and spent many hours at the roller rink. And, of course, we can’t forget to mention he was a huge Vikings fan – SKOL Vikes! He was an enthusiastic supporter of all of his childrens’ sports activities as well.

Russell is survived by Elaine, his loving wife of 67 years and his children, Wesley, David (Jill), Audrey (Brian) Derwin, Julie (Edward) DePuydt and Marilyn (Tim) Norberg. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jennifer Kriel, Lauren (Tyler) Lewis, Lindsay Stenzel, Sean (fiancée Jessica Ludescher) Derwin, Erin (Bill) Anderson, Jessica (Jimmie) Torres, Daniel DePuydt, Mike (Maddison) Norberg, Cody Norberg and Jake Norberg. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Gray, Kellan, Winter, and Ella Lewis.

Russell was predeceased by his parents, Otto and Pearl; his sisters, Fern Briggs and Marian Klinksiek; brothers-in-law, Bob Briggs and Howard Klinksiek; daughter-in-law, Sue Stenzel; and grandson, Scott Stenzel.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Centennial Lutheran Church, 701 Locust St., Henderson, MN.