Subscribe to updates for Rodger Stenzel

Rodger John Stenzel, 78, of Bedford passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021. He was a devoted and loving husband of 54 years to Linda Silver Stenzel. Born in Geneseo, Illinois on October 4, 1943, he was a son of the late Howard Henry Stenzel and Virginia Mae (Nicely) Stenzel.

Growing up on the family farm, Rodger was a member of 4H and FFA where he won a National Championship of Cattle Judging. While at Geneseo High School, he played basketball, baseball, and ran cross country. After attending the University of Illinois, he joined the Army Reserves in Florida. While in Florida he met Linda, the love of his life.

After nearly fifty years of service in retail management with Sears Roebuck & Co. and Lowe’s Corporation, he joined the Ivy Hill Senior Golf League and worked at Mariner’s Landing Golf Club. He was an avid angler and golfer. He also enjoyed traveling with Linda.

Rodger loved his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, Dad, Papa, brother, and friend. He cherished the special bond he shared with each of his grandchildren.

He continued to model kindness, perseverance, and courage throughout his illness. Rodger’s faith reassured him of God’s everlasting love for him. We’re thankful that he is safely resting in the arms of Jesus.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters: Kim (Jeff) Johnson; Kristin Stenzel Orendorf; son: Lance (Stacey) Stenzel; grandchildren: Christopher and David Johnson, Channing and Will Orendorf, Lauren, Addisyn, and Grant Stenzel; brother: Dave (Shirley) Stenzel; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Thomas Road Baptist Church (Pate Chapel) with Pastor Rick Rasberry officiating. To watch the service online go to: watch.trbc.org.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 26, 2021, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to be made to any of the following charities in memory of Rodger Stenzel:

Gleaning for the World   www.GFTW.org

National Center for Healthy Veterans   www.HealthyVeterans.org

Local and Global Missions of Thomas Road Baptist Church https://trbc.org/give/

In celebration of Rodger’s life, you are welcome to wear your favorite golf shirt, Hokies or Braves shirt, and/or silly socks to his afternoon visitation on Friday.

To send condolences online please visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.

Watch Rodger Stenzel’s Memorial Service Here