John Joseph Stengel Jr.

John Joseph Stengel, Jr. 72, passed away March 24, 2017 at home in Santa Maria, CA, with the help and support of Dignity Health Hospice, following complications with Parkinson’s. He was born June 11, 1944 in Hartford, Michigan, to the late John Joseph, Sr. and Esther Stengel. Raised in Williamsville, New York. Graduated Williamsville High School in 1963; served four years in United States Air Force at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, CA., and adopted California as his home. He was employed with General Telephone, Santa Maria in 1968 working the switch room, and becoming a microwave radio engineer for GTE Thousand Oaks, CA and Irving, TX; later with engineering and implementation of cell phone towers in the Bay Area, Northern CA, the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii territory with Verizon Wireless. Retired in 2003 after 35 years. John enjoyed a good game of golf, whether on the golf course, or watching the professionals on TV. He was an avid baseball fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and supported the team when they moved to Los Angeles, CA. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Kris Stengel, sister’s in law, Kelley Avila and Don Stevenson, and Koleen Montelongo of Lakeland, FL., Kathleen Wilson and Efren Macias of Santa Maria, CA, brother in law Kevin Wilson of Santa Maria, CA; along with close family and great friends that were put in our path while living in California, Oregon and Texas. His only son from a previous marriage, Jason and Lori Stengel and their children Kaylee, Amber, Justin, Emily, and Cody from Redbud, IL. And many wonderful nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents John Joseph, Sr. and Esther Stengel along with three half-brothers, Dick, Ray and Jerry Loos all from New York. He will be remembered with love, his easy smile and great sense of humor. Arrangements are through the Neptune Society. At his request, no services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Special thanks for the wonderful care and support that was given from Dignity Health Hospice of Santa Maria.