Leonard Stengel

Leonard D. Stengel, age 96, of Milbank, died July 31, 2018, at St. William's Care Center in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 6, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Milbank.  Family and friends greet and share time will be Sunday, August 5, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a share and reflection time at 6:30 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home.  Rev. Thom Bowsher and Rev. Dr. DeVern Schwenn will officiate and burial with full miliary honors will be in the Milbank City Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Leonard's coffee buddies: George Boos, Gene Kiefer, Doug Fraasch, Ron Roehr, Charlie Koch, Greg Grajczk, and Carroll Pirmantgen.

Leonard Dale Stengel was born on May 11, 1922, to Silas Wilhelm Stengel and Maita Margaret Koch.  Leonard was born and raised in Grant County.   He graduated from Milbank High School and attended Westmar College in LeMars, IA. He served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged on October 25, 1945.  Leonard was united in marriage with Lois Hamilton on November 18, 1945, in Milbank.  They were blessed with two children: David and Roxanne, and 70 years of marriage.

Leonard was a faithful and active member of Central United Methodist Church.  He directed various church choirs for 65 years.  He served on the church Administrative Board, Expansion Board, Camping Committee, and Conference Board of Missions.  He also served as Treasurer and was a Conference Delegate.

Leonard was active in the community.  He was the last living founding member of the Milbank Kiwanis Club.  He served on the Milbank City Council and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce.  He was a member of the American Legion of Milbank, Barbershop Choir, Tri-State Horse Association, and was a past 4-H leader.

In his professional life, Leonard purchased the Abraham Insurance Agency in Dickenson, ND, in 1954, and was active in the insurance industry until his retirement.  Leonard served as President of Stockholm Mutual Insurance Company, owner of Midwest Security, served on the Board of Directors for Capital Insurance Company, and Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Nebraska.  Leonard was Secretary and Treasurer of the State Association.  He was a lobbyist for South Dakota State Association of Insurance Companies, and on the Board of Directors.  He was a frequent conference speaker for North American Mutual Insurance Company (NAMIC).

Leonard was a friend to many in the community.  His favorite pastimes were riding horses, trail rides, and buggy rides.  Many brides and grooms started their married life in one of his coaches, and many of Leonard’s friends were carried to their final resting place in the horse drawn funeral coach.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: David (Mary) Stengel of Milbank, SD; and Roxanne (Keith) Jandahl of Schoolcraft, MI; grandchildren: Joshua and Jennifer Stengel of Denver, Co;  Esther and Christopher Pelliter of Boulder, CO; Rachel Bonifiglio of Chanadler, AZ; Amanda and Matt Harrison, Portage, MI; Brian and Ann Jandahl of Elkton, SD; Stacy and Jamie Mara of Little Chute, WI;  and many great grandchildren.

Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, and four infant grandchildren.

Memorials may be given to the mission projects at Central United Methodist Church.