William George "Bill" Stuenkel, 91 , passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, at his home in Andover, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on June 6, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, to William Fred and Ruby Violet (Gibson) Stuenkel.

Bill spent his entire youth in Topeka, attending Topeka High School and graduating with the class of 1951. After high school, he began working for KDOT on a survey crew. In December 1952, a serendipitous visit to a dance in Clements, Kansas, led him to meet Patricia, the love of his life. Bill knew instantly that he would marry her, and their courtship began.

In April 1953, Bill enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. While there, he began his transition to Catholicism as a heartfelt surprise for Patricia. Their love story took a memorable turn in August when, despite a canceled furlough, Patricia and their families drove to Ft. Polk, where Bill and Patricia were married. They cherished 67 wonderful years together until Patricia's passing in 2021.

After their marriage, Bill was transferred to Ft. Riley, where Patricia found employment on the post. Bill was discharged in January 1955 and decided to further his education at Kansas State University, earning a BA in Structural Engineering and another in Civil Engineering. Post-graduation, they moved to Wichita, and in June 1959, settled permanently in Andover to raise their family.

Bill had a fulfilling career at Boeing and dedicated much of his time to the community, serving as a Reservist Police Officer for Andover. He found joy in camping, square dancing, playing bridge, and especially bowling—a passion rooted in his family's ownership of a bowling alley. Bill and Patricia were ardent supporters of the Andover Senior Center and various community events and organizations throughout the years.

Bill's greatest loves were his Wildcats and his family, seldom missing any of his grandchildren's events. He is survived by his children: Barbara Minton (Sam), William Stuenkel, Teresa Sexson (William), and Janet Filbert (David); his grandchildren: Misty Hinton (Dylan), Brandon Minton (Jill), Jordan Hutchins (Alex), Ian Jones, Angelisa Sexson, Brady Sexson (Michelle), Andrew Filbert (Karissa), and Matt Filbert (Sarah); his great-grandchildren: Maci and Chase Minton, Camden and Cooper Hinton, Hailey and Riley Filbert, Eleanore Hutchins, and one more on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia who passed away in 2021 after 70+ years together; his parents, William and Violet, and his sister, Paula Bliss.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 27 at Heritage Funeral Home, 502 W. Central Ave., Andover. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, followed by a memorial mass at 10:30 a.m., both at Church of the Magdalen, 12626 E 21st St N, Wichita, KS. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Wichita.
Bill's legacy of love, dedication, and community service will forever be cherished by all who knew him.