Curtis L. “Curt” Stendel, 73, of St. Francis, formerly of Owatonna, died Friday, August 9, 2024, at Minnesota Health Fairview Hospital.

Curtis L. Stendel

Curt was born October 11, 1950 in Owatonna to the late Norbert and Helen Sexter Stendel. He was raised on the family farm in Meriden Township. Curt graduated in 1968 from the Southern School of Agriculture in Waseca. Then he attended Faribault Vocational Technical School. Following his schooling, he joined the United States Air Force, where he was in the Security Service and served in England for three years during the Vietnam War. He owned and operated his own business, Panelwork Plus, for 25 years. He loved music especially the Beatles, Bob Dylan and whatever was in the 60s. In his spare time, he enjoyed wood working, bird watching, fishing, spending time with his family and friends at the cabin. Curt never met a stranger and was willing to help anyone in need at any time.

Curt is survived by his wife of 38 years, Susan (Leighton) Stendel; sons, Dustin (Angie) Stendel of Albert Lea, MN and Nathan (Holly) Stendel of Hastings, MN.; step-sons, Tom (Catrice) Etienne of Sartell, MN., Tony (Kelly) Etienne of St. Louis Park, MN., and Spencer (Michelle) Etienne of Hampton, IA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alex, Lauren, McKenna, Kyle, Cody, Hailey and great grandson, Hudson. Step-grandchildren, Miranda, Morgan, Maddie, Riley, Andrew, Carter, Corah, Cason, Ethan and Jaxon; siblings, Beverly (Dennis) Heaney of DeKalb, IL, Cheryl Becher of Morristown, MN., Brenda Johnson of Faribault, MN., and Brian (Sue) Stendel of New Richland, MN. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Curt was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Faith Stendel.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11 am at Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN, 55060, with family receiving friends 1 hour prior to service time. Following the service, military honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to donor’s choice.