David Howard Stenzel, 82, of Elgin passed away on Wednesday,
November 22, 2023. He was a devoted and loving husband of 61 years to
Shirley Frey Stenzel. Born in Geneseo, Illinois on June 3, 1941, he was a son
of the late Howard Henry Stenzel and Virginia Mae (Nicely) Stenzel.
Growing up on the family farm, David was a member of 4H and FFA where
he won a National Championship of Cattle Judging. While at Geneseo High
School, he played basketball and football. He married his high school
sweetheart, Shirley.
Dave and Shirley moved to Chicago to begin their life in the big city and they
both worked at O’Hare. Dave took some computer classes in college and
landed a job at Knowles Electronics where he worked for over 30 years. He
started as an IT Director and worked his way up to a General Manager of 3
plants in the Pacific Rim. He enjoyed home cooked meals, fishing, his 1957
Chevy, and was a great golfer. He also enjoyed traveling with Shirley.
Dave loved his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, Dad,
Grandpa, brother, and friend. He cherished the special bond he shared with
each of his grandchildren. He coined the phrase “STENZEL STRONG” and
we all strive to live by that model everyday.
He continued to model kindness, perseverance, and courage throughout his
illness. Dave’s faith reassured him of God’s everlasting love for him. We’re
thankful that he is in a better place and is walking the golf fairways with God.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three sons: Mark (Lore) Stenzel;
Scott (in Heaven, Patti) Stenzel, Chris (Linda) Stenzel; grandchildren: Jonathan and Nicholas
Stenzel, Brandon, Tyler, Justin, and Jennifer Stenzel, Melissa Rosengarden,
Dylan and Kyle Stenzel; great grandchild: Leighton Rosengarden, and three
more on the way.
Visitation will be held between 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, November
25 th at the Yurs Funeral Home located at 405 East Main Street in St. Charles,
IL.
Additional visitation will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, November 27th with
Services beginning at 1:00pm at the Vandemore Funeral Homes located at
580 E Ogden Ave Geneseo, IL. Following the Services, Dave will be laid to
rest at the Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to be made to the
following charity in memory of Dave Stenzel:
The American Heart Association: www.heart.org