Audrey Stenzel

Obituary

Audrey Pearl Stenzel was born on December 8, 1928, in Bismarck Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Leonard F. and Esther V. (Barnes) Boehlke. Audrey was baptized as an infant on January 6, 1929, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on May 11, 1941, both at the Methodist Church in Winthrop. She received her education at country school.

On December 22, 1946, Audrey was united in marriage to Gordon Stenzel at the Boehlke home in rural Winthrop. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Penn Township, McLeod County. This union was blessed with the birth of three sons, Perry, Thomas and David. They moved into Winthrop in 1975. She was a loving mother and homemaker. Audrey and Gordon shared 53 years of marriage, before Gordon passed away on December 26, 1998.

Audrey was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bismarck Township.

Audrey loved God and her family, friends, and neighbors.  She enjoyed her family get togethers, celebrations, and doing things with all.  Audrey especially loved to be with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She loved many children.  Audrey, like the famous Mr. Roger’s, was to them a care provider, protector, neighbor and friend.  She liked and enjoyed the outdoors, fields and farms, her house yard, trees, flowers, birds, and skies.  At Southview, her favorite activity was to sit outside and share the view with someone.  Audrey also liked to read her bible, books, and many inspirational quotes, always giving thanks to God.

When she needed assistance with her daily care, Audrey became a resident of Southview Living Center in Gibbon and passed away there on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at the age of 89 years. During her two years at Southview, she was deeply loved by the Melby’s, staff members, and many volunteers.  She made many new friends, including the children that came to visit and to see her.  Blessed be her memory.

Audrey is survived by her:
Son,    Thomas Stenzel and his wife, Esther of Fargo, ND, and
            David Stenzel of Winthrop, MN;
Grandchildren, Sarah Gunderson and her husband, Aaron of Fargo, ND, Kate Maiers and her husband, Jonathan of Stewart, MN, and Lisa Stenzel of Baxter, MN;
Great-Grandchildren, Elijah Gunderson, Noah Gunderson, Erika Gunderson, Marta Gunderson, Dylan Maiers, Alex Maiers, Jack Maiers, Riley Stenzel;
Sister-In-Law, Orvilla Gebhardt;
Brother-In-Law, Otto Gutknecht;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Audrey was preceded in death by her Parents, Leonard and Esther Boehlke; Husband, Gordon Stenzel; Son, Perry Stenzel; Grandsons, Robert Stenzel and John Stenzel; Daughter-In-Law, Rhonda Stenzel; Siblings, Steven and Lorinda Boehlke, Muriel and Earl Nelson, Robert and Mary Boehlke, and Ann Gutknecht.