David Howard Stenzel

June 3, 1941 - November 22, 2023

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 27 th  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.orgGuest BookShareEmailPrint