James Stanzel was born on March 15, 1927, to Edward and Stephanie Stanzel. Born and raised in Schulenburg, James attended Middle Creek School through age 15 and then worked on the family farm. He was drafted by the United States Army in 1945 and after nine months was discharged to come home and take care of the family farm and his family. He took great pride in raising crops and animals and continued farming until the end of his life. He worked for Armco Steel, which later became Contech Steel, for 35 years as a lead welder and retired in 1992.
He married Helen Migl on April 28, 1962. Together, they had three children, Janice and her husband John Kana, Jimmie Stanzel and his wife Gina Winne, and Sandra Stanzel and her partner Michelle McMurry; five grandchildren, Jordan and her husband Zach Ayres, Jillian Kana, Jacqueline Kana, Jayme Kana and McKenzy Winne; and four great-grandchildren, Madeline Moseley, Henry “Hank” Ayres, Cooper James Ayres and Tripp Patterson Ayres. All were his pride and joy. He lit up every minute he could be with his family.
James was a member of the American Legion for 75 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus of Schulenburg, retired member of the Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department, former member of the Jaycees and lifelong member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He also served as the Fayette County constable for many years.
James is survived by his daughter, Janice and husband John Kana; son, Jimmie and wife Gina Winne; daughter, Sandra Stanzel and partner Michelle McMurry; five granddaughters, one great-granddaughter and four great-grandsons; one brother, Ted Stanzel, three sisters-in-law, Bea Krejci, Patsy Masek and Edna Migl; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his parents, Edward and Stephanie Stanzel; brother, Leo Stanzel; and sister, Anita Stanzel.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. The family received friends beginning at 9 a.m. with the Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department memorial service starting at 10:30 a.m., followed by the parish rosary. Interment followed in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Schulenburg American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, American Legion or Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department.