Donald R Stenger

Donald R. Stenger passed peacefully at the age of 82, at home with his loving, wife Carol, son Mark and Maui Luau, his loyal pet dog, by his side on June 5, 2019 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He was predeceased by his wife Marlene Hallgren (1977) of 20 years and mother of his children, brother Rodney and sister-in-law Carol Joyce. Born in Rockford, IL, Don lived most of his life on the Rock River where he raised his family. He was an avid water skier, renowned for his one-foot barefoot skiing, and in his earlier days, traditionally spent every Jan 1st with his buddies, skiing in the icy waters of Rock River. Don served a short time in the US Navy from 1955 to 1957. During that time, he was stationed in Foley, AL at Barin Field as a life guard and loved the area. He then pursued his career in corporate management with National Lock, Hill Rockford and Johnson Enterprises, where he retired in 1998. Don and Carol Ann Sagon met August 1979 on the Rock River, were engaged in 6 months and married on May 3, 1980 at the Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton, IL. They truly loved and adored each other, sharing 39 lively and wonderful years together. Fun times included traveling, especially to Abaco, Bahamas, skiing, swimming, snorkeling, boating, enjoying the best gourmet dining, motorcycle riding, billiards, and playing Euchre. Don also enjoyed tinkering with projects in his garages, restoring boats and reading cowboy novels. Most of all, Don and Carol enjoyed outdoor wood burning fires at night, laughing and creating lasting memories with family and friends. In 2012, Don and Carol sold most everything and started a 6-year journey of full time RVing in their beautiful 40ft Class A Diesel Motor Coach, which landed them in one of their favorite places. They sold their coach in 2018 and made Gulf Shores their home. Special thank you to Stephanie Brown (Jeff Brown) for taking the time to travel to be with her Grandpa in the days before, and to his loving son Mark for sharing those last days and hours by his side. Creative and passionate about life, Don lived and loved the great outdoors and was the most handsome and bravest of men. ‘Donnie’ will be missed by all his family and friends and forever remembered by his hardy, deep laughter, bright smile and these words: ”Is the sky blue…” No services will be held. Memorials can be made to your favorite Charity in his honor.

Donald R Stenger

October 25, 1936 - June 5, 2019

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Donald R Stenger

October 25, 1936 - June 5, 2019

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification