Victor Stenzel, 88, Owatonna

Victor Thomas Stenzel, 88, of Owatonna, passed away Friday, June 16, 2023, at Homestead Hospice House.

He was born March 23, 1935, in Dunbar Township to Peter and Helen (Kukuzke) Stenzel. He attended schools in Freeborn, Minnesota and graduated from Freeborn High School in 1955. Victor was drafted into the U.S. Navy right after graduation and served in Guam as a boiler engineer.

After being honorably discharged from the military in 1957, he met Kathleen Johnson. The two married on Sept. 14, 1959, and had four children: Peter, Tim, Linda, and John.

Victor started working as a custodian at St. Casimir Catholic Church and School. He then began farming in Wells, and continued farming in Ellendale and Blooming Prairie. He also worked for 17 years for OTC/Power Team until retirement.

In retirement, he was a part-time custodian at Roosevelt School for over 15 years. During those part-time years, the staff at Roosevelt became lifelong friends.

In Victor’s free time he loved to put together jigsaw puzzles, golf, garden, play cards, watch birds, attend grandchildren’s sporting events, and take road trips with family and friends, especially out west in the mountains. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Owatonna American Legion.

Victor was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Kathleen, parents, and brothers: Stanley, Emil, Leroy, Marvin and David (in infancy).

He is survived by four children: Peter (Penny) Stenzel of Owatonna, Tim (Audrey) Stenzel of Kasson, Linda (Troy) Matejcek of Owatonna, John (Barb) Stenzel of Blooming Prairie; eight grandchildren: Alicia and Danielle Stenzel; Mitchell and Kendra Stenzel; Eric (Nicole) Matejcek and Caleb (Kristina) Matejcek; Rachael (Chad Hilliard) Stenzel and J.J. (Mary) Stenzel; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Laura) Stenzel; sisters; Therese McCue and Virginia Deyle, and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 23, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Swaminatha Pothireddy presiding. Friends may greet the family from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Homestead Hospice Patient Care Fund or donors’ choice. For more information or to leave a message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.