Linda Stengel

Linda Mary (Wise) Stengel, 77, was born to Marwood & Jean Wise on March 27, 1946, in Canandaigua, NY, and passed away in Sioux Falls, SD, on June 30,2023.

As a young girl, she was a gifted pianist and organist. Linda graduated from the Milbank High School in 1964 and then attended Westmar College in LaMars, IA. She had planned to major in art when Jack Stengel charmed her away back to Milbank where they were married in the Central United Methodist Church on a very warm April 16th in 1966. Their 57 years were filled with music, love, lots of flowers and wonderful travel adventures.

Music was an important part of Linda’s everyday life as were the Fine Arts. She accompanied Jack’s choir starting in the eighth grade and enjoyed a career playing for the Choraliers and local theatre productions. She was well-known in the Milbank area for her many hours on the bench for weddings, funerals, and the Milbank High School Choir. A gracious hostess, Linda enjoyed entertaining and setting a beautiful table. She was a member of the Makocha Study Club and, in her senior years, the P.E.O. sisterhood.

In 2006, Jack and Linda moved to Sioux Falls where they had the opportunity to be involved with the South Dakota Symphony, the Children’s Home Society, and a new church family. It was also a time of strengthening her faith. Her outgoing personality brought her opportunities as a Christian friend and mentor to many who will greatly miss conversations with her about spiritual growth.

In the final months of her life, she was blessed by special people who ministered to her increasing health needs. In turn, they were blessed by how she touched their lives in her words and sweet expressions.

She is survived by her husband, Jack, her daughters, Susan (married to Jason) Stinson, and Katharine (married to Michael) Johnson, and her favorite–and only–grandson, Jacob Stinson.

A joyous celebration of her life of faith and service will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 2300 S West Ave in Sioux Falls. Visitation opportunities will be on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Heritage Funeral Home, 2800 S Minnesota Ave in Sioux Falls, SD. A private family burial in Milbank will occur at a later date.

Arrangements for services are under the care of The Heritage Funeral Home of Sioux Falls.