Barbara Louise Stenke

Barbara, died on July 6 and was joyfully received into the arms of her Savior, Jesus. She was born on August 4, 1941 to Albert and Amalia Darmstaetter in Detroit, MI. She was blessed to have three siblings—Anthony Darmstaetter, William Darmstaetter, and Elaine Darmstaetter (Roth). As a child, she worshipped at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Detroit where she was baptized and confirmed. She graduated from Denby High School in Detroit and went on to receive her Bachelor of Philosophy from Wayne State University. On June 7, 1968, she married Ronald Stenke and they moved to Utica, MI, where they raised two sons, William and Michael. Barb and Ron were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica. They enjoyed volunteering for Billy Graham Crusades, and even helped start a Charismatic Lutheran Church in Shelby Township, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1979. After his death, Barb picked herself up and worked, while putting herself through additional schooling and raising her two sons. Prayer, daily devotions, and reading of Scripture began each day and gave her the strength to endure many difficult trials. Barbara will be remembered for her smile, her strong faith and love of Bible Study, playing handbells, gardening, her sharp mind and quick wit, her devotion to her sons and grandchildren, and her love of all animals—particularly her horses and poodles. She is survived by her son William and wife Danielle (Sommer), her son Michael and wife Kerry (Bassett), and her grandchildren—Emily, Sara, Nathaniel, Klaus, and Wilhelmina. There will be a Memorial Service at Lutheran Church of the Cross (4545 Chancellor St. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703) on Tuesday, July 10 at 12:00pm, with a visitation beforehand and light lunch following. On July 22, there will also be a Memorial Service at Lutheran Church of the Master (3333 Coolidge Rd. Troy, MI 48084), at 3:30pm, visitation from 3-3:30pm. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of the Cross in St. Petersburg, FL (www.mylcc.com/give)or the American Cancer Society.