Richard “Rick” P. Stenzel, age 73, of Wells, MN died Saturday, February 14, 2026 at The Shepherd’s Inn, in Wells, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, MN. A visitation will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN and will continue one hour prior (9:30-10:30 am) to the mass at church. Father Pratap Reddy Salibindla will be officiating, and burial will be in St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery.
Richard Paul was born August 21, 1952, son of Dominic and Evangeline (More) Stenzel in Wells, MN. Rick attended Freeborn High School and graduated with the class of 1970. He worked many years as head custodian for Alden and then New Richland schools, retiring in 2022. Rick enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his granddaughter Liliana. Rick’s sense of humor always made a laughing commotion everywhere he went! He loved being around people and sharing stories.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Stenzel (2019); son Sean Stenzel (2011); brothers John Stenzel (2023), and Jerry Stenzel (2020); and brothers-in-law Roy Johnson, and Jerry Johnson.
Richard is survived by his granddaughter Liliana Stenzel of Albert Lea, MN; siblings Nancy (Daryl) Kruger of Wells, MN, Patrick (Sheila) Stenzel of Freeborn, MN, Jane (Steve) Swehla of Wells, MN, Jean (Greg) Yokiel of Wells, MN, Dale (Brenda) Stenzel of Le Center, MN, Tim (Lori) Stenzel of Pemberton, MN, Jeff (Susie) Stenzel of Broomfield, CO, and Carol (John) Creswell of Linn Creek, MO; sisters-in-law Roberta Stenzel of Waseca, MN, Peggy Stenzel of St. Peter, MN, and Janice Johnson of Albert Lea, MN; brothers-in-law Donald (Judy) Johnson of Wells, MN, and Ken (Stacey) Johnson of Rochester, MN; along with many nieces, nephews, and their families.
The family would like to show their appreciation for the great care received by Rick and requests that any memorial contributions are sent to St. Casimir Catholic Church, The Shepherd’s Inn, or donor’s choice.
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Sadden by his death, but praying he is now rejoicing and back with his beloved wife Mary Ellen. My prayers go out to all the family and all who loved him and his Lili!
So sorry for your loss he was a fun guy to visit with while Mom was at Shepherds Inn, one of Moms table family! And yes he did have a wonderful laugh! Hugs to all.
Deepest sympathy to all the Stenzel family. Rick was a great guy. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. 🙏🏻
We’re very sorry for his friends and family loss. God bless.
Our deepest sympathy to Rick’s entire family! Blessed be his memory
My sympathy to the Stenzel and Johnson families.
You’re all in our thoughts and prayers for comfort.
Hunted and worked with him on our farm most of of my life. Was such a great guy always took time to explain how he did repaired and did things. The nights at the freeborn bar during deer hunting were so much fun. So many great memories of all our Stenzel neighbors.
I was always told that my family was related to all the Stenzel’s regardless of the spelling, so I was intrigued when MaryEllen married Rick that they too, were related down the line somewhere. And he made her so happy! I rejoice in their heavenly reunion along with their son Sean!
Yes, and that blonde-haired beam of sunshine, Lilliana was the light of their lives, bringing so much joy to their later years!
My sincere condolences to Richard’s entire family. May God wrap you all in His comforting arms!❤️🙏✝️
So sorry to hear about Rick’s death! I’m sure Mary and Sean welcomed him with open arms! Sympathies being sent to all of you!
Deepest sympathy to all of Rick’s family. Thoughts and prayers by with you all.
Sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Our sympathy to the family. I enjoyed our time working together at NRHEG schools. He was a beloved member of the school family for many years.
Our sympathy and prayers are extended to your family. May God grant you strength, comfort and peace.🙏🤗
Our sympathie to the family.
So sorry for your loss. I am not able to be there, but will be thinking about you.
Our sympathies and prayers for your family. Rick was such a wonderful person. Many good memories.
Our deepest condolences to you and your families. What a fun guy to be around. Always a kind and sharing word he had for all around him. Giving of himself wherever he happened to be
I worked w/ Richard for 10 plus years at N.R.H.E.G he was so helpful always ready to help us w/ lifting food from the walk in freezer or store room he always had a good ward to say & boy did he love his Lilly seen a lot of pictures he was a very proud Grandpa ! R.I.P. my friend