Joseph A. Stenger, 79
Joseph A. Stenger, 79, of Austin died on Jan. 27, 2009 at Austin Medical Center.
Joe was born on Oct. 16, 1929, in Austin, to Robert R. and Rose (Michels) Stenger. He graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1947 and attended the University of St. Thomas. He served in the Army for two years during the Korean War. Joe was united in marriage to Caroline Brill at St. Augustine Church on Sept. 3, 1956. He was employed at Hormel for 38 years as an electrician. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and Austin Jaycees, where he served as State Vice President, and the Austin American Legion, where he held many positions, including Commander and Adjutant. He was awarded a Life Membership in the American Legion in 2004.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Caroline; son, Stephen Stenger, Columbia Heights; daughters, Christene (Michael) Jolowsky, Eagan, Therese (Ken) Thomas, Blaine, Ellen (Scott) Anderson, Austin, Julie (Martin) Clasen, Maplewood; grandchildren, Benjamin (Julia Spencer) and Nicholas Anderson, Sandra and Samantha Clasen, and Claire and Nora Jolowsky; sister, Geraldine Chavez, Sister Lorraine Stenger, OSF; brother, John Stenger (JoAnne); sister-in-law, norma Stenger; brother-in-law, Peter Dayer; 25 nieces and nephews and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert and sister, Rosemary Dayer.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Visitation will be from 12 noon on Sunday until the time of service. Burial services will be at Fort Snelling at a later date. Austin American Legion Post 91 will be in charge of military rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pacelli High School, or donor’s choice.