Dayna M. (Stenzel) Besser, age 55 of Owatonna, MN passed away peacefully Monday, June 29, 2026 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Owatonna surrounded by her family. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN.
Dayna Marie was born July 13, 1970 to Maynard and Syvilla (Mills) Stenzel in Wells, MN. She graduated from Alden High School in 1988 before perusing her passion for art and design at Brown College; where she earned her degree in graphic design in 1993.
On December 21, 1996, she married Christopher (Chris) Besser. Together they welcomed two daughters; Mikayla born February of 1998 and Morgan born November of 2002. Family was the center of Dayna’s world. She rarely missed a horse show, cheerleading event, band concert or basketball game for her daughters. She was their biggest supporter and took immense pride in every accomplishment, no matter how big or small.
Dayna had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone she met. She cherished lifelong friendships. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures in crafting, thrifting, listening to rock music, traveling to multiple states and spending time with the people she loved the most. Whether surrounded by family or friends, Dayna’s life was filled with laughter, love and countless memories which will continue to bring comfort to those who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her former husband Chris Besser; her great-nephew, Jeremiah Meza; father-in-law Kenneth Besser; uncles Roger Mills, Tommy Mills and Vern Olson.
Dayna is survived by her daughters: Mikayla Besser of New Richland and Morgan (Devin) Stankiewicz of Janesville; siblings: Dawn (Gary) Strohman of Makinen, MN, Jarrod (Kelly) Stenzel of Rosemount, MN, Donna (Darryl) Chamberlin of Sarasota, FL and Jason (Stacy) Stenzel of Waseca, MN; two aunts: Janice Olson of New Richland, MN and Kay (Tom) Sherratt of Le Sueur, MN; uncle: Howard (Pat) Stenzel of Blaine, MN; and many nieces, nephews and their families
Girl’s…..sending you lots of love,hugs and deepest condolences to you two on the passing of your mom. I know how much she loved you Girl’s. Praying for you today, tomorrow and the weeks and months to come.
So very sorry to hear about Dayna. I went to school with Syvilla at Lakeville, MN. I also have my daughter named Dayna born 1961. Deepest condolences to your families.
Our deepest sympathy to Dayna’s entire family. We got to know Dayna when she volunteered for USC Backpack program to pack backpacks for our students! We pray your memories will bring you peace & comfort in the days ahead.
My sympathies to the family, your mom,sister,aunt was a special person my thoughts and prayers to all