It was a beautiful day to drive our cars...to our buddy's funeral

Yesterday was the day we buried one of the best friends I ever had. Bob Stenzel, who was a car dealer, street rodder, and mentor to me. He was 77. We actually lost him about 2 years ago when his memory was taken away by the awful disease Alzheimer's. It has been hard on us and now he can rest in peace. We drove our old cars and hot rods to his funeral because he would have liked that. He was all about having fun, laughing, and telling stories. He always seemed alot younger than anyone else his age and we always had a great time with him. He got me into the car hobby and along with Cuzzindeke, took me along with them to car shows. In return they would ride with me in parades in my hillbilly jalopies.
Here is Bob on the right and is pictured with my buddy Cuzzindeke (Dick) on the left.

 

After the service we drove in the procession about 5 miles to the cemetery where the VFW honor guard were waiting for the military tribute. He was a veteran of the Korean War. The weather was perfect at 75 degrees which is uncommon in KS.

 

Our cars were lined up close to the gravesite. His casket was gloss black with lots of brilliant chrome, just like the 35 Chevy coupe he used to be so proud of.....

 

Photos of Bob in happier times......

Rest in peace old buddy-----

 

sorry to hear of your loss.

 

I've done that a few times in the last five years. My sympathies to all involved.

 

Sorry for your loss, Alzheimers is an awful way to go, more so for the caretakers and those left behind. Great tribute to bring all the cars out, I love the black and red '56. Not a color combo you see very often.

 

He had to be smiling as he looked down. May he rest in peace.

 

They buried him with his favorite cap, his dealer's license plate and some other personal items. It was a nice service and we celebrated his good memories instead of thinking of the sadness.

 

Sorry for your loss pf,but what a beautiful send off for your close friend.Our sympathy goes out to you.

 

Sorry to read about your friend, PF. God bless.

 

So sorry for your loss,... seems like were loosing a lot of the old gang,....

 

My condolences. R.I.P.

 

sorry for the loss of your friend. id think he be happy with all them cool rods there to send him off. i will be burnt but would still be cool to have the same done at the local bar or something.. once again sorry for the lost of your friend..
chris.

 

Sorry to hear about your friend. we lost my friend larry a few years ago, he had a 57 chevy gasser, which was probably one of my favorite 57 chevy's ive seen. we drove our cars out to the cemetery and really made some noise (and smoke) leaving, he would have loved it! when i go one day, i hope my friends will do the same for me!

 

Sounds like a great guy...

 

Sorry for your loss. Hope my friends and family drive their cars in tribute when my time comes like you have for your friend. I'm sure he was riding with each one of you today.

 

The suffering is over, the memories of the good friend you have lost should remain, keep his lively pesonality alive among his friends!
Sorry for the loss.

 

Sorry about your friend. Godspeed to him.

 

I am sure he would have liked the send off, I know I would have.

Sorry Paul

 

you are a good egg Mr. Paul. Sad to hear about Bob >>>>.

 

I'm shedding a tear for ya ... Right now
keep on keepin on man


i miss him cuz you'll miss him

 

If he was your friend, he was mine. We're losing alot of historians lately.

 

A great final tribute you all gave your friend. Everyone should be so blessed. Looks like the VFW and American Legion both particpated also. Thanks for sharing - a good reminder to us all.

 

Thanks for pointing that out.
I didn't meant to leave the Legion out.

 

Thanks buddy. I had a guest from MI here last night and Larry showed him your old car and you were talked about. In a GOOD way!

 

my he rest in peace,sorry for your loss.

 

sorry to hear of your loss. awesome send off though.

 

Paul, Bob is resting easy now. I am sure he was there for the ceremony and enjoyed the procession of old cars and lots of car friends both old and new. May Bob R.I.P

Dave

 

PF sorry for the loss of such a good friend,i'm slowly losing my grandmother to the same disease. Awesome to have all those friends and thier cars at the service.