Wayne Leonard Stenzel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Leonard Stenzel. Wayne was in his 77th year.

He was born to the late Leo and Hilda (Flok) Stenzel on December 15, 1946, and grew up on the family farm in Jacksonport.

Wayne was the oldest of six siblings: John, Karen, Sue, Joanne, and Gary. He attended Sevastopol High School, graduating with the class of 1965. On October 12, 1968, he married the love of his life, Sally J. Vandertie. They have been married for the last 56 years.

The majority of his career was spent working for the Door County Highway Department. He began working there in 1974 and finally retired in 2009. He was very proud of the work he did there and the men he worked with. He still very much enjoyed his monthly “Union Meetings” with a few of his fellow retirees.

He was a current member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Alphonse Broens Council 2478 in Sturgeon Bay and a previous volunteer for the Sevastopol First Responders.

Wayne and Sally have two children: Jason (Sherri) and Calle (Adam Kring). He was a very proud grandfather to Lucas, Nathan, and Olivia Stenzel.

Family was Wayne’s number one priority and at the forefront was everything he did. Wayne was easily his grandchildren’s biggest fan. He seldom missed a little league ball game, cross country or track event, wrestling match or high school football game any of his grandchildren were competing in. If the grandchildren were signed up for something, you better believe he’d be there to support them. 

Wayne had so many talents. He was a carpenter, mechanic, artist, gardener, fruit farmer, beekeeper, and taxidermist- among other things. He was always willing to share his talent and lend a hand to anyone. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish - even though he struggled to catch fish.

Wayne had a large group of friends, but only a few truly knew how nice and genuine of a man he was. He often tried to be a tough guy, but those who knew him best, knew better. He had a quirky sense of humor and loved to tease and joke around.

Two years ago, Wayne was diagnosed with cancer. He was hesitant to go through chemo treatments, but he did it for his family. Ultimately, Wayne succumbed to a heart attack. He received amazing care from all his doctors and nurses - especially Nurse Calle (his daughter).

To capture in writing all of what Wayne accomplished and meant to his friends and family is impossible. There will forever be a huge piece of our hearts missing without him here. He always used to say “we’re only here for a visit”, but for us, his visit wasn’t nearly long enough.

Wayne will continue to be with us in our thoughts and memories. We look forward to his guidance from above.

The Stenzel family would like to send a special thank you to Green Bay Oncology, the Door County Sheriff’s Office, Door County EMS, Door County Medical Center, Flight for Life, and the staff at St. Vincent’s in Green Bay for the care he received and for giving us a few more moments with him.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (110 N. 5th Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI) with Fr. Anthony Birdsall officiating. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Huehns Funeral Home (1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay) and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Door County Beekeepers Club in Wayne’s name. A special thank you to Max Martin for taking over Wayne’s beehive and teaching him so much over the years.

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Stenzel family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Wayne may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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