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Dennis Kuenzel Obituary – 5/31/2013


Dennis Kuenzel, age 85, of Waconia, formerly of Lester Prairie, died Friday, May 31, 2013, at the Auburn Home in Waconia.

He was born Jan. 27, 1928, in Camden Township, Carver County, the son of Alex and Ella (Mielke) Kuenzel. Dennis was baptized as an infant Feb. 19, 1928, and was confirmed in his faith as a youth March 29, 1942, both by the Rev. Theo Rolf at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in New Germany.

Dennis received his education, and was a graduate of the Lester Prairie High School class of 1946.

He served his country in the United States Army from January 1951 to December 1952.

Dennis was united in marriage to Sylvia Pearl Lindquist Sept. 24, 1954, by the Rev. J. Millard Ahlstrom at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter.

The couple made their home on his family farm in rural New Germany until 1972, when they moved to a farm near Plato.

Dennis enjoyed farming until his retirement in 1990. He was a member at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, serving on its school board, and was part of the dart ball team.

After relocating to Plato, Dennis and Sylvia joined the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, where Dennis served as a trustee and on the finance committee. He also was a member of the Lester Prairie American Legion Post 463.

After retirement, Dennis and Sylvia loved going on bus tours around the United States.

Dennis also enjoyed reading mysteries, and solving puzzles, especially jigsaw. He cherished the time spent with his family and friends, and always had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Sylvia Kuenzel of Norwood Young America; children, Susan Ellwanger and her husband, Donovan, of Eagle Bend, Steven Kuenzel and his wife, Judie, of Mayer, Thomas Kuenzel and his wife, Shirley, of Buffalo, and Philip Kuenzel and his wife, Malinda, of Plato; and 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 Kuenzel, and Kimberley Kuenzel.

He is further survived by siblings Allen Kuenzel and his wife, JoAnne, of Apple Valley, and Gladys Tonn of Waconia; brothers and sisters-in-law Elenora Kuenzel of El Cajon, CA, Hope Spangenberg of Fairmont, Gloria Voeltz and her husband, Russell, of Brooklyn Center, and Waldemer Lindquist and his wife, Philippa, of Arden Hills; nieces; nephews; other relatives, and many friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Ella Kuenzel; father- and mother-in-law Oscar and Selma Lindquist; a brother, Clyde Kuenzel; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Randell Tonn, Roselie Lindquist, Joyce Lindquist, Stanley Spangenberg, and Vincent Lindquist (Lenore).

Funeral services took place Tuesday, June 4 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, with interment following in the church cemetery. The Rev. Eric Nelson officiated at the services. The organist was Marsha Christenson. Congregational hymns were “Borning Cry,” “For All The Saints,” and “Lift High The Cross.”

Casket bearers were Chad Kuenzel, Rachel Anderson, Abigail Sultvedt, Megan Arneson, Stephanie Kuenzel, and Kimberley Kuenzel.

Arrangements were by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Lester Prairie. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com; click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

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