Ralph Victor Stenzel, 98, of Ness City, Kansas passed away at Cedar Village, Ness City, Kansas on June 4, 2020. He was born on Jan. 25th, 1922 in Big Creek Township in Russell, Kansas to Victor and Olinda (Reinhardt) Stenzel. In July of 1936; Ralph along with his parents and two brothers moved to a farm northwest of Bazine which Ralph’s family still owns. Ralph loved his career choice of farming...to him he ‘never worked a day in his life’ as he enjoyed the farm and physical labor so much. He also drove school buses and sold buildings & grain bins. In 1965 Ralph and Irene built a home in Ness City but he continued his daily commute to the farm!!
As a teen, Ralph worked in the CCC Camp program in Wyoming area to help benefit his family. Although he never attended high school or college, he was a meticulous bookkeeper. He also was skilled in woodworking and liked to build things. He kept his shop tools very organized. And until the past couple years could still tell you where things could be found!!! He was a ‘saver of everything’ because he could make something out of it or repair something with it.
Ralph joined the US Army in 1942. He served with the 503rd HM Tank Company in England, Normandy, Omaha Beach, France, Belgium, Holland, the Battle of the Bulge, and Berlin, Germany. Ralph was one of the “Bazine Boys” who all enlisted at the same time and served their Army days together during WW2. For many years this group would have a ‘Army Reunion” and enjoyed continuing the brotherhood formed during service. Ralph received the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star for meritorious service. He received an honorary High School diploma from NCHS during Operation Recognition program and was pleased to have been a participant in the Honor Flight which he thoroughly enjoyed their trip to DC.
He married Irene Musbach on December 29, 1946. To this union two sons, Loren and Marvin, were born.
Family was very important to him and he LOVED family reunions, especially the ones in Russell. He never wanted to miss an opportunity to spend time with extended family. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great granddaughters in their school activities and sporting events.
Ralph and Irene enjoyed several years of ‘wintering’ in Yuma, AZ. They greatly enjoyed the friendships that they made during that time.
He was a member of the Frank Stull American Legion Post #152, where he was a faithful member of the Color Guard until his health no longer allowed. In his early Legion years, he participated in the ‘color guard drill team’ that was well known for it’s performances. For many years, he served as the Service officer for the Post and helped secure volunteers for Honor Guard details. He was also a member of the Ransom VFW, Bazine Sons of the American Legion, and Hays DAV.
Ralph was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, Ness City.
Survivors include: son, Loren and his wife, Lynette of Ness City; granddaughters, Tasha (Bob) Wessel of Owasso, OK and Jill (Travis) Schaben of Hays along with four great granddaughters, Alexis (Cody) Werner of Plainville, Emily Wessel of Baltimore, MD, Raegan Wessel and Kaitlyn Schaben, both students at Kansas State University; sister-in-law, Arlene Miller, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his wife, Irene; infant son, Marvin, and daughter-in-law, DeeAnn (Coy) Stenzel; his brothers, Vernon (Delma) and Dick (Joanne) Stenzel; brother-in-laws, Allen (Mina) Musbach and Frank Miller; as well as sister-in-law, Vi (Earl) Burditt.
Due to COVID a Private Family Service will be held at the Ness City United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9th, 2020. A PUBLIC Graveside Service with Military honors will be held at the Ness City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.
Viewing for friends and family will be on Monday, June 8, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.
Memorials may be given to the Veterans Memorial in Ness City or Camp Lakeside (United Methodist Church Camp at Scott County Lake)
Both services will be available for viewing on Facebook live at: www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldFuneral.