Merton R. Stenzel

Merton R. Stenzel, 98, of Rockton, Il. was welcomed into heaven on Thursday, May 25, 2017 surrounded with love of family. In a life well celebrated, Merton proudly served as an Army veteran in WWII. He married Tena (Naurine Haas) and shared 71 years together while raising their family in a home filled with love. Merton worked for many years as a machinist for Rockford Screw Products. Merton was a life time member of the Belvidere Moose Club and a member of Rockton Methodist Church. He filled his 98 years, traveling, cruises, trips to Vegas with their good friends, mastering fishing at Big Stone Lake in Minnesota, donating money to the casinos, painting, cheering on the CUBS, but most importantly surrounding himself with his family. “We never remember our dad getting mad.” He was rich in love and good and wise in councel. Merton was born August 27 1918 in Milbank, South Dakota to Robert and Lydia (Pratt) Stenzel.

Survivors: wife of 71 years; children, Larry (Marianne) Stenzel, Carol (Duane) Bourgeois, David (Joyce) Stenzel, Kevin (Cindy) Stenzel, and Janice (Mike) Kerch; grandchildren, Debbie Murphy, Paul (Domie) Bourgeois, Kris (Rich) Termondt, Jenni (Todd) Williams, Amy (Jason) Scroggins, Dave Stenzel, Brian (Kim) Stenzel, Jeff Stenzel, Ryan Kerch, Courtney Kerch, Tyler Kerch; great-grandchildren, Jack Murphy, Molly Murphy, Kaitlyn Murphy, Alex Termondt, Laura Termondt, Riley Termondt, Nathan Williams, Amber Scroggins, Hannah Stenzel, James Stenzel, Matthew Stenzel, Samuel Stenzel, Hailey Stenzel; Dad is predeceased by his parents; 4 brothers, 2 sisters.

A Life Well Celebrated Service: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL. Visitation: 9:00 ~ 10:00 a.m. Express condolences, www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com