Caroldean "Dean" E. Stenzel

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of "Dean" Stenzel, who left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on July 5th, 2026. Dean was born on April 22, 1941, in Trego County, Kansas, to Emanuel and Caroline Stenzel. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Ronald.

Dean was a Kansas farm boy who grew up to be a Captain in the Air Force as a Meteorologist and later became a Systems Analyst for DuPont. He received a BS from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. He retired from DuPont after devoting 30 years of service.

He met Judith "Judi" Crombie while he was in the Air Force and they were married on August 7, 1964. They were married almost 62 years. Together they built a comfortable life and welcomed three children into their hearts: Kristi Stenzel Martin, married to Brian Martin; Scott Stenzel, married to Michele Miller; and Wendy Stenzel Oleston, married to Ryan Oleston. Dean was the grandfather of five grandchildren: Alyssa Martin, Reiley Martin, Jake Stenzel, Brett Oleston, and Caroline Oleston. He will also be missed by his brother-in-law, Carrol Crombie, and his wife, Ann; his brother-in-law, Fritz Crombie, and his wife, Jeannie; his sister-in-law, Babs Crombie; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Dean always had a passion for farming, so in his retirement years, he and Judi formed Red Gates Farms in Lexington, VA, and raised pedigreed Belted Galloways. They also adopted several German Shepherds from The Seeing Eye.

Over the years, Dean was an active member and leader in several Lutheran church communities and served on countless church committees. The Lutheran Church was home to him. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church and later served as an Elder. He was proud to be a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and helped build many houses. He also served as a volunteer for Red Cross blood drives.

After moving to Friendship Richfield Living, Dean continued to be a leader. He facilitated the Bluebird Club, which built and maintained birdhouses on the campus. He became a champion of trivia games and corn hole. He had a vibrant personality and the best laugh! He loved a good joke. He was an avid reader with a deep appreciation for history.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Friendship Richfield Living and Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care and support. A service to celebrate his life will be held in The Abbey at Sherwood Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Dean's memory can be made to Habitat for Humanity as a tribute to his generous spirit and commitment to helping others. Donations can also be made to Good Samaritan Hospice in his name.

Dean's legacy of fellowship, laughter and service to others will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. In recent years, he expressed a desire to run his hands over the wheat fields of his youth. He will be deeply missed, but his family is comforted by the knowledge that he is home in the house of the Lord, perhaps running through those wheat fields once again.