Sylvia Pearl Kuenzel

Obituary

Sylvia Pearl Kuenzel was born on September 27, 1928, at Union Hospital in New Ulm, MN to Oscar and Selma (Willander) Lindquist. Sylvia was baptized as an infant on October 21, 1928 by Rev. Carl G. Olson, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on July 12, 1942 by Rev. John Benson Jr. both at First Lutheran Church in Lafayette, MN. Her confirmation verse was 1 Timothy 6: 12-13. She received her education and was a graduate of the New Ulm High School Class of 1946. She continued her education and graduated from Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois in 1950. Following graduation, she was a RN at Immanuel Hospital in Mankato, MN, and Union Hospital in New Ulm, MN.

On September 24, 1954, Sylvia was united in marriage to Dennis Murial Kuenzel by Pastor J. Millard Ahlstrom at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, MN. Their wedding verse was Psalm 127: 1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain...”

After their marriage, they made their home on Dennis’s family farm in rural New Germany until 1972 when they moved to a farm near Plato. They made their living together milking cows, raising hogs, and tending to the crops. They retired to a home in Lester Prairie in 1990. Sylvia had been a resident of the Harbor in Norwood Young America since 2009.

Sylvia was a member of LWML at St. Mark’s in New Germany’s and St. Paul’s in Lester Prairie. She held offices in both organizations. She loved music and sang in the choir at both St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s churches. Sylvia enjoyed sending cards, notes and letters to family and friends on a regular basis. She was very adamant about sending out thank you notes and would not rest until she sent out her words of thanks for that special gift received or an act of kindness was acknowledged. After retirement Sylvia and Dennis enjoyed taking bus tours around the United States. At the Harbor she participated in many activities and programs. She wrote “My Life Reflections” which was a put into a book. She also completed in great detail “Grandparents Legacy” book given to Sylvia and Dennis by her Grandson Chad. She always had special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished the time spent with her family, friends, the caring staff and residents at The Harbor.

Sylvia passed away on March 12, 2018 at the Auburn Nursing Home, at the age of 89 years, 5 months and 13 days.

Blessed be her memory.

Sylvia is survived by her:
Children: Susan Ellwanger and her husband, Donovan of Eagle Bend, MN,
                  Steven Kuenzel and his wife, Mary of Mayer, MN,
                  Thomas Kuenzel and his wife, Shirley of Buffalo, MN,
                  Philip Kuenzel and his wife, Malinda of Plato, MN;
Grandchildren: Chad Kuenzel and his wife, Denae, Rachel Anderson and her husband, Brian, Abigail Sultvedt and her husband Michael, Megan Arneson and her husband, Peter, Stephanie Gramstad and her husband, Zach, Kimberley Kuenzel;
Great-Grandchildren: Josiah, son of Rachel and Brian Anderson, Kaléa, daughter of Chad and Denae Kuenzel;
Siblings: Gloria Voeltz of Brooklyn Center, MN;
Sisters-in-Law: Gladys Tonn of Waconia, MN, Elenora Kuenzel of El Cajon, CA, Philippa Lindquist of Arden Hills, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; Daughter-In-Law, Judie Kuenzel; parents Oscar and Selma Lindquist; Father and Mother-in-Law Alex and Ella Kuenzel; Sisters: Roselie Lindquist, Joyce Lindquist, Hope Spagenberg; Brothers, Vincent Lindquist, Waldemer Lindquist; Brothers and Sisters-in-Law: Stanley Spangenberg, Clyde Kuenzel, Randell Tonn, Lenore Lindquist, JoAnne and Allen Kuenzel, Russell Voeltz.