Michael E. Stenz

Michael E. Stenz, 58, of Green Bay, Wisconsin passed away on August 14, 2023.  He was born on June 14, 1965, in Neenah, Wisconsin, the son of the late John “Jack” Stenz, Senior, and the late Dorothy “Pink” (Vebber) Stenz.

Mike began working in the sporting goods department at the Appleton ShopKo Store in 1981. He met his future wife, Stephanie Glasow, at Shopko in 1984 while they both worked in their orange ShopKo smocks. They were friends for 2 years before officially dating, then married on October 5, 1991.  They bought their home in Green Bay in 1992.

Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, majoring in Marketing with a minor in history in 1987. Following graduation, Mike began his retail career as an Assistant Store Manager for Walmart and remained in that role until 1993. He then left retail and joined the health insurance industry with American Medical Security as a Customer Service Trainer. He moved up the ranks in various product manager and marketing development roles until 2006 when UnitedHealthcare bought American Medical Security. He continued with UnitedHealthcare as a Product Manager in Specialty Insurance Products until his illness began late December 2022.

Mike inherited his dad’s gadget gene and his mom’s love of history and documentaries. He loved all things astronaut and aviation related.  He attended the EAA AirVenture as often as possible and took lessons towards getting his pilot’s license. He loved sports and followed the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix basketball team, Milwaukee Brewers baseball and was a Green Bay Packer season ticket holder. He had an elaborate tailgate setup to feed his friends and family at many Brewers and Packers games. Mike loved music, played cello in an orchestra in his teens, and listened to music of all genres. He enjoyed learning by reading and listening to a variety of podcasts. He was an expert in pop culture and quoted movie lines at just the right moment to make you laugh. Mike volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters and was Big Brother to a Little from 1990 to 1993.

Mike learned to cook after Steph was diagnosed with Lupus in 2003, which at times drained her energy. Mike and Steph enjoyed inventing new recipes and experimenting on friends and family.  He also loved experimenting with his grill and smokers to make BBQ.  Eventually, this passion motivated him to become a Kansas City Barbecue Society Certified Barbecue Judge and he judged competitions in multiple states. Mike loved their tradition of hosting the Glasow/Stenz/Carbone annual Thanksgiving Day feast. Over the years, Mike and Steph fostered 9 dogs for the Wisconsin Westie Rescue and adopted a few non-Westie dogs along the way too.

Mike had an amazing ability to befriend people with his wit, humor and big, kind heart. He had a unique way of combining one-liners, well timed movie quotes or song lyrics sprinkled with a healthy dose of sarcasm and inappropriate humor. It is an unproven theory that Mike has been a huge part of the success of Amazon since he was an avid on-line shopper with an Amazon Prime membership since 2013.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife Stephanie, who he most often referred to as “Bunner”.  Together they created wonderful memories as a team and weathered many life challenges, which only proved to strengthen their bond. Mike is also lovingly remembered by his siblings: Anne Lang of Ocala, Florida; John (Cindy) Stenz, Junior of Oshkosh; Mark (Jane) Stenz of Appleton; David (LeNelle) Stenz of Grayslake, Illinois; Tom (Betty) Stenz of Erie, Colorado; and Philip (Sue) Stenz of Wautoma.  Mike will also be remembered by a beloved cousin, Maureen Glasow, Reedsville, Wisconsin, and brother-in-law, Larry Carbone, Dublin, Ohio.  Although Mike didn’t have children, he loved his nieces and nephews very much.  They include Karianne Stenz, Andrew (Dena) Lang, Eric (Lynn) Lang, Sarah Lang, Abigail (Adam) Williams, Christopher (Amy) Stenz, Beth Stenz, Jennifer (Mike) Zickus, Adam Stenz, Katharine (Zac) Carlson, Elizabeth (Justin) Barnett, Alexa Carbone, and Paxson (Haley) Carbone. He also has 16 great nieces and great nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, Robert Glasow III, his mother-in-law, Lorraine (Biedenbender) Glasow, his brother-in-law, Chadwick Glasow, and sister-in-law, Stacie (Glasow) Carbone.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Mike on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Wichmann’s Funeral Home at 537 North Superior Street in Appleton, Wisconsin. A visitation will be held from noon until 2:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life service officiated by Mike and Steph’s neighbor, Deb Barlament. There will be time to share memories during the service or in Mike’s guestbook on the Wichmann’s website. Donations in Mike’s name to the American Cancer Society, the Lupus Foundation of America, Wisconsin Westie Rescue or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Mike’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Edward Bongiorno for his dedication in leading Mike’s health care team after his bladder cancer diagnosis in January 2023. They are also grateful for the staff of The Jack and Engrid Meng Unity Hospice staff for their exceptional compassion and care during his last 12 days.