John Edward Stenzel

JOHN EDWARD STENZEL, age 69, of Waseca passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at his home.

Born on March 28, 1954 in Wells, MN, John was the son of Dominic and Evangeline (More) Stenzel. John grew up on a farm near Freeborn, MN with 10 siblings where he spent his early years farming and working construction with his father and brothers. It was during this time he developed the skills and work ethic he carried throughout his life. After high school, he continued working in the construction industry and was proud of the many homes and buildings he helped build/remodel. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Roberta “Bert” Minkel. On October 19, 1974, they were united in marriage in Mapleton, MN.

In 1987 he began his 31-year career for Waseca Public Schools. He eventually was promoted to Director of Building and Grounds. He took pride in keeping the facilities and grounds in pristine condition. During the final years with the district, he was excited to be part of the team that led the high school renovation.

John was a people-person and enjoyed visiting with anyone and everyone. During his retirement you would find him on a motorcycle or a tractor. He loved taking motorcycle trips with his wife across the United States. Any spare time he would spend with his beloved family, attending every grandchild’s sporting event, concert, and graduation possible. He was the ultimate handyman and loved helping others – projects big and small, most notably building a house for his family. John was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Roberta Stenzel of Waseca; children and grandchildren, Jason (Lisa) Stenzel of Waseca – Emma, Ethan, Myles, Henry, Amanda (Rich) Honstad of Waseca – Morgan, Alexander, Owen, Josh (Kaitlen) Stenzel of Savage – Aria, Joe (Tiffany) Stenzel of Savage – Mason, Olivia; siblings, Carol (John) Creswell of Linncreek, MO, Dale (Brenda) Stenzel of LeCenter, Rick Stenzel of New Richland, Jane (Steve) Swehla, Jean (Greg) Yokiel, Nancy (Daryl) Kruger, all of Wells, Pat (Sheila) Stenzel of Freeborn, Tim (Lori) Stenzel of Pemberton, Jeff (Susie) Stenzel of Lakeville; mother-in-law, Emily Minkel of Mapleton; sisters-in-law, Peggy Stenzel of St. Peter, Kathy (Roger) Runge of Amboy; brother-in-law, Greg (Deb) Minkel of Chaska, MN, and many nieces and nephews.  He will also be sorely missed by Buddy, his beloved Jack Russell Terrier who was always by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Stenzel; father-in-law, Donald Minkel; sister-in-law, Mary Stenzel; nephew, Sean Stenzel.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, June 12, 2023 at the State Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. The Hoang officiating. Interment Calvary Cemetery in Waseca.