Brian James Stenzel, of Elgin, Minnesota, passed away on October 15th, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, following a courageous battle with leukemia.

Brian was born on February 15, 1958, in Wells, Minnesota, to Marvin “Jake” and Colleen (Hedensten) Stenzel. He grew up in the Wells area, where he attended school and later worked alongside his father in construction, building homes in the Albert Lea and Austin areas.

Brian went on to work at Northstar Foods in St. Charles before beginning a long and dedicated career with Lakeside Food in Plainview in 1999. Over the next 24 years, he held the role of Assistant Director of Operations, a position he held until his retirement in 2023. Brian took great pride in his work and was known for his dedication and strong work ethic.

On November 5, 1999, Brian married Bridget Joy Douglas in Winona, Minnesota. They moved to Plainview in 2000 and have called Elgin their forever home since 2017. Together, they built a life filled with family, memories, and adventures.

While Brian worked hard, he also knew how to enjoy life. He enjoyed motorcycle rides along the Mississippi River, spending time with friends at a good winery or brewery, and teaching his grandchildren to play cribbage. His greatest passion was fishing, especially the annual trip to Alexandria- a family tradition spanning four generations. Cooking was another of his greatest joys, particularly when it meant gathering the family around the table, whether for a simple family dinner or a holiday celebration. Brian was a proud father and grandfather who treasured time spent with his family.

Brian was a member of St. Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles.

He is survived by his loving wife Bridget of Elgin; his children Elizabeth (Tyler) Meyers of Elgin, Megan (Kenny) Hoeft of Plainview, Aaron (Fayth Nitz), of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Jay Stenzel of Wells; his grandchildren Haley and Kolten Hoeft, McKennah and Lane Wendt, and Everlee, Brooks, and Murphy Meyers; and his mother Colleen Stenzel of Wells.

He is proceeded in death by his father Marvin “Jake” Stenzel and brother Randy “Stan” Stenzel.

A time of remembrance will be held at Schleicher Funeral Homes in Plainview on Saturday, October 24th from 1:00-3:00 p.m., with scripture and a time of sharing at 2:30 p.m.

Burial will take place at Elgin Cemetery at a later date.