Randy Stenzel
April 3, 1954 ~ May 16, 2017
Randall (Randy) John Stenzel of Lisbon, Iowa, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, surrounded by his immediate family and future son in-law. . Randy's family is hosting a Celebration of Life Gathering of Family and Friends from 1:00-4:00 p.m., June 3, 2017, at Prairiewoods Center, 120 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, Iowa.
Randy is survived by his spouse, Michele (Shelly) Stenzel; children, Rachel Destiny (Trevor) Stenzel of Lisbon, Hanna Harmony Stenzel (Paul Thomas Berning) of Marion, Kari Beth Renswick of Winona, Minnesota, and Keela Jo Renswick of Winona, Minnesota; siblings, Gary Stenzel (Teri Patzwald) of Ocala, Florida, James Stenzel (Virginia Stenzel) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Pat Swanson (Denny Swanson) of Winona, Minnesota, Joan Stenzel of Winona, Minnesota; grandchild, Karley (Brady) Brink of Winona, Minnesota; and great grandchild, Keelyn Beth Brink.
Randy was born in Wells, Minnesota on April 3rd, 1954, and spent most of his childhood in Winona where he met his lifelong friend, David Zill. After leaving Winona, Randy moved to Iowa where he met the love of his life, Shelly, and they were married on September 25, 1982. Randy spent the last 35 years in Lisbon, Iowa where he and Shelly raised their family. During these years he was a butcher, Commercial Pilot, sold Quicksilver ultralights, and later ran Stenzel Sharpening Service. In 1997 Randy found his passion making Native American style flutes. The business Feather Ridge Flutes and Drums took Randy and Shelly across the country selling their unique instruments. Randy became a very highly respected and well known flute maker. The flute community became their family.
Randy and his family enjoyed long motorcycle rides on their Harleys, fishing, kayaking, traveling, and exploring the great outdoors. Randy was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
Randy is preceded by his parents, James and Carolee Stenzel; sister, Connie Stiever; and sister-in-law, Deb Stenzel.
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As you all go through this sad and emotionally difficult time I hope you take some comfort in knowing that many people are praying for you to be surrounded with love and comfort in knowing everyone loved Randy. If there’s anything I can do to bring you comfort, please give me a call…. anytime. Love and blessings to all of you.
With great love and respect,
Joyce
Lakeland, FL
God bless his family.
This isn’t so much a memory as an observation. Randy and Shelly are deeply and strongly connected and when I picture one, I picture the other. Together always. Their love and warmth is as all encompassing as the sun. God bless you both.
I am so grateful I met Randy. He was always upbeat, kind and friendly. Our paths crossed at many different places. I remember one of my favorite times was creating a drum at Randy and Shelly’s house. I was so worried about doing something wrong, but both were patient and kind and I felt empowered after finishing my beautiful drum. I feel blessed to have been a small part of his life. My thoughts and prayers go to Shelly and the girls. You are all magnificent and I wish you much love and light in your lives. You will be taken care of………..he is with you. Much love, ann kinney
I always looked forward to seeing Randy and Shelly at flute gatherings. One of my favorite times was at the Potomac Flute Festival where I participated in the drum-making workshop . And another was at INAFA in Eau Clair, Wisconsin we had such fun! I will miss your kind and gentle spirit Randy. Shelly you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve and I were so saddened to hear of Randy’s passing. Randy was just one of the best … always a smile, kind, friendly, and so genuine. Everyone who met him couldn’t help but really like him. Shelly and family, you were so blessed to have this man as your husband and father for so many years. Steve and I send our condolences to all of you, and to anyone who knew and loved Randy. Love & Hugs from Steve & Leslee (Ontario, Canada)
I had the honor of meeting Randy and Shelly at the last two Native Rhythms Festival and their friendliness was immediate. I so appreciated that. Sending heartfelt condolences to Shelly and family, and to friends who mourn Randy’s physical passing. Blessings.
So sorry..
We never met in person.
Only on facebook.
I admired your work and personality.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Wish the family emocional healing.
Suyay
So sorry to hear this. Though I may not have known the Stenzels very well, I know that their friendship and love meant so much to some of my friends. I offer healing hugs and blessings to his wife and family. He now flies with the eagles and makes good spirit music. I send Much love
Sorry to hear of Randys passing a.ka. beach boy. Years ago I met Randy when we both were in cb radio. He was a very nice guy and we chatted on the radio for many years. My deepest sympathies to his family. My fondest memory of Randy when we first met he had a red dodge charger that was a very fast car. I will always remember the fun times we had. Rest in peace Randy. Louie
We will miss Randy’s smile and happy nature. While his parting creates a big empty spot in our community of flute folks, he leaves behind many beautiful instruments and fond memories. He also leaves us with our wonderful friend, Shelly. Our prayers are with both of them. No doubt, Randy and Leonard are up there crafting some nice flutes to go with those harps!
Sending much Love and Comfort to Shelly and Girls ; Prayers from the Rockies !
Randy was one of the most talented people I have ever known….a great dad, could fix anything, musician, and artist when it came to flute-making. I had always wished we lived closer together so that he and his family and I could spend time together among the trees which we all enjoyed. He will be a guide for me the rest of my life. He was a great brother-in-law, and I only wish I had spent more time with him. Michael Van Hamme
I was so sad to hear of Randy passing. He was a great person and will be missed. I have always wanted to spend more time with you all. What a wonderful family you all are! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear of Randys passing,
Dear Shelly, Rachael, and Hannah,
You have my heart-felt sympathy. I remember Randy’s smiling face when I went to your comfortable home for graduations. Hang on to each other, because it’s a bit of a bumpy ride as you three develop a new normal. I have a big hug for all of you.
Reta Westercamp
I was sad to hear of Randy’s passing earlier this week. I have no idea of all he faced during his battle, but I’m sure he fought bravely and hard.
I recall the many times Randy, Shelly, Victoria and I would get together for Reiki Shares at your home. Also I recall the day the Medicine wheel was constructed….. so many of your friends and family who had put their love, intentions and energy into it, was an amazing day.
You two were truly ‘Walking the walk and talking the talk.’ Now I can see how your ‘family of friends’ have brought great joy and happiness into your lives….. and even now with his earthly journey ending, you all have the supported of this ‘Family”. Love and LIGHT to you Shelly, Rachael and Hannah.
A few years ago, I received a surprise birthday gift from my husband, a beautiful flute made by Randy and Shelly. I have always treasured it and now I do so even more. Each time I play it I will think of the talented and loving hands that created it for me. Walk in beauty Randy, and soar with eagles.
Wanda Earll
I am so very sorry about this loss to your family and to the NAF community. My first “real” Native American Flute (D, with a Monarch butterfly, and inlaid turquoise) was made by Randy (leather and bag by Shelly), and it’s beautiful, and soulful, as was he, and as are you, Shelly. I was at a NAF songwriting school with Randy’s flute, with Scott August, in Santa Fe, when the news came. I named my song “For Randy,” as a tribute. His instruments will live on for so long, creating such beauty and joy for so many; I hope that brings some comfort to you, Shelly, and your family. I am sad, and I am grateful.
Jo Ann McNiel, Cedar Rapids
The loss of Randy Stenzel is truly heartbreaking. He had the warmest smile and was a delightfully genuine person. He was a friend to everyone. He had such a positive, profound impact on the world. He made the world a better place. I will miss him greatly.
Losing someone dear is always heartbreaking ,I wish all of the family of Randy much strength in this loss.From the family in Belgium
It is difficult to think of a world without Randy in it. He was many things to many people. A maker of beautiful musical instruments, a true craftsman and self made engineer, a caretaker of the land, and a dear friend. I take comfort in thinking of him walking with my father on the tree farm.
Dad, I miss you more and more every day. It’s still very surreal that you are gone. We have had such incredible support from family, friends, even strangers through all of this and it’s truly remarkable. You touched the lives of so many people and you were too humble to ever fully go into detail of all the deep connections you had made over the years. Words cannot describe what you mean to us, what you mean to me. The heartache that we have experienced from losing you will remain with us until we are with you again. The memories that you have helped people create will stay with us forever and for that, I am grateful. Thank you for standing by my side through the worst times as well as the best times. Thank you for helping me grow into the woman I am today. I love you so much.