Obituary for Lawrence L. "Casey" Stengel
Le Mars, Iowa – Casey Stengel, 85, died peacefully at home in Le Mars, Iowa on February 26, 2021, with his wife of nearly 60 years, Karen Joy Dykstra Stengel, at his side. Private family services were held at Casey’s home with Rev. Janis Christensen of the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars.
Lawrence “Casey” L. Stengel was the youngest born to John and Myrtle (Weast) Stengel on October 7, 1935, in Canton, South Dakota. In death, he joins his parents, brother Harold, and sisters Violet, Vivian, LaVonne, and Evelyn. Living on are his children Kim Sether Koehn; Julie De Rosa; Jackie and husband Ed Lemmermann, their sons Tom and Alex; Kathy and husband Tom Kroepel, their daughter Kelli and husband Jake Collier, and son Sam and wife Ciera Kroepel and their sons Hayden, Carson, and Sawyer; Michael and wife Jess Stengel and their children Max, Brycen, Shaeli, Oren, Tristan, and Niobe.
Casey’s lifelong strong faith in a loving Creator was reflected in the joy, compassion, and humor he brought to each aspect of his rich life. After high school he broadened his horizons working on the railroad and later serving in the army before moving to Le Mars where his service was extended in a career as a police officer, retiring after serving as Police Chief. In his professional capacity serving the public, Casey became aware of the need for foster parents, and Karen and he opened their home for many years to foster care. Highlights of his life of service also include being an ordained elder in the Presbyterian United Church of Christ and as a gifted teacher of English as a Second Language in classes held there. Had there ever been a competition, he may well have reigned as one of the best dancers in town. His first motorcycle was a yellow 1956 Harley Davidson, ridden with then girlfriend Karen, who later became his wife. He continued to ride cycles as late as the fall of 2020 before going into hospice the last several months.
In lieu of memorials to the family, please donate to children’s causes.
Lawrence “Casey” L. Stengel was the youngest born to John and Myrtle (Weast) Stengel on October 7, 1935, in Canton, South Dakota. In death, he joins his parents, brother Harold, and sisters Violet, Vivian, LaVonne, and Evelyn. Living on are his children Kim Sether Koehn; Julie De Rosa; Jackie and husband Ed Lemmermann, their sons Tom and Alex; Kathy and husband Tom Kroepel, their daughter Kelli and husband Jake Collier, and son Sam and wife Ciera Kroepel and their sons Hayden, Carson, and Sawyer; Michael and wife Jess Stengel and their children Max, Brycen, Shaeli, Oren, Tristan, and Niobe.
Casey’s lifelong strong faith in a loving Creator was reflected in the joy, compassion, and humor he brought to each aspect of his rich life. After high school he broadened his horizons working on the railroad and later serving in the army before moving to Le Mars where his service was extended in a career as a police officer, retiring after serving as Police Chief. In his professional capacity serving the public, Casey became aware of the need for foster parents, and Karen and he opened their home for many years to foster care. Highlights of his life of service also include being an ordained elder in the Presbyterian United Church of Christ and as a gifted teacher of English as a Second Language in classes held there. Had there ever been a competition, he may well have reigned as one of the best dancers in town. His first motorcycle was a yellow 1956 Harley Davidson, ridden with then girlfriend Karen, who later became his wife. He continued to ride cycles as late as the fall of 2020 before going into hospice the last several months.
In lieu of memorials to the family, please donate to children’s causes.