Bernard “Bernie” Stenzel, 69, of Florence passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2014. He was born June 18, 1945 to Theophil and Sophie (Hainka) Stenzel in Albert Lea, MN. A proud veteran, Bernie enlisted early and served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. It was during this time that he met a beautiful young lady and the love of his life, Gloria, whom he married in 1966. To their union was born three children whom he loved and adored. After his duty was up, he went to work at Ideal Cement, now Holcim, where he worked in maintenance 42 years. Bernie was a dedicated family man who was active in his children's lives and believed that one should be involved and committed to the community in which they lived. He was a former director of the Re-2 School Board, president of the Babe Ruth Little League, member of the Tuesday Group of PTSD Pueblo, member of the VFW Penrose, American Legion Florence, and volunteer Fireman with the Florence Fire Department and was a lifelong member of St. Benedict ' s Catholic Church. When not working on a woodworking project, Bernie would find time to tease you and take time out to watch his Minnesota Vikings and Colorado Rockies. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, {private} […]^PRIV, children, […]^PRIV; sister, […]^PRIV; grandchildren, […]^PRIV; great-granchildren, […]^PRIV as well as numerous sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents; brothers, Walter, Louis, Charles, Wilfred, infant brothers, Vincent and Alfonse; sister Theresa Pritchard. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 9, 2014 from 5-8pm, at the Harwood Funeral Home, 225 E. Main, Florence with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M., on Monday, November 10, 2014 at St. Benedict ' s Catholic Church, Florence, CO. Online condolences at Harwoodfunerals.com.