Lawrence E. Stengel

Lawrence Edward Stengel passed away on February 14, 2006 at the age of 85.

Born in Royalton, Pennsylvania, Mr. Stengel grew up in Middletown. At the age of 14, he moved to Lancaster with his mother, brother and sister after the death of his father.  He graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 1938, received an A.B. degree from St. Joseph’s College in 1947 and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1950.

In World War II, he served in the 104^th Division of the United States Army, known as the “Timberwolves”. He fought in battles throughout France, Belgium and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was also an interpreter. He was decorated for action on the field of battle and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Lawrence E. Stengel began his practice in Lancaster in 1951 after serving a preceptorship with William B. Arnold, Esquire.  In 1965, he became a partner in the firm of Rengier, Musser and Stengel later Rengier and Stengel.  He served on the Lancaster City Zoning Hearing Board for 15 years, the last 11 as the Chairman.  Stengel was the Executive Director of the Lancaster Community Council.  During his 53 year career as a lawyer, Stengel maintained a general practice and served as solicitor for East Cocalico Township, West Cocalico Township and the Borough of New Holland.  He served on the Lancaster City Police Review Board.  Stengel was a court appointed Master for both Juvenile Detention and Mental Health Review hearings.

A devout Roman Catholic, Stengel was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Lancaster since 1934 and recently moved to Saint Phillips parish in Millersville.  At Sacred Heart he served as a lector and on various committees.

He was a long time member of Conestoga Country Club where he loved to play golf.  Stengel and his family spent many vacations in Avalon, New Jersey and he and his wife, Anne, owned a home in Avalon where family and friends enjoyed the shore for many years.

Stengel is survived by his wife of 54 years Anne Agnes McShane Stengel.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children; Lawrence F., husband of Theresa B., Lancaster; Mary Beth, Lancaster; James R., husband of Kathleen, Cincinnati, Ohio; Dr. Robert J., husband of Linda, Lancaster; Kathleen Alton, Lancaster; and John P., husband of Marycatherine, Lancaster; and 15 grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday morning at 11:00AM from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St. A viewing will be held at Sacred Heart Church from 9:00AM until 11:00AM. Interment will be held at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors by the Red Rose Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601 or the Mental Health Association in Lancaster County, 630 Janet Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601.