Bernard Charles Stenger, 87, of Dittmer died May 23, 2022, at his home. Mr. Stenger, also known as “Ben” or “Bernie,” was a respiratory therapist for SSM St. Mary’s Hospital for many years. He was the 185th person to be licensed as a respiratory therapist in the country, and started the first respiratory therapy department in St. Louis and the respiratory therapy teaching program at St. Mary’s (now a program at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park). He taught in the program until his retirement in 1994. He enjoyed gardening, do-it-yourself projects, going to church, the little things in life and spending time with family and friends. Born March 6, 1935, in Glennonville, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Fuemmeler) Stenger. He was preceded in death by his wife: Joyce (Bernhardt) Stenger.
He is survived by eight children: Amy (Donald) McClure, James (Sarah) Stenger, Robert (Caroline) Stenger, Julie (John) Knowlton, Mary-Teresa (Jason) Fletter, Emily (Bill) Hansen, Michael (Shelly) Stenger and Daniel (Allison) Kasden; five siblings: John (the late Nelva) Stenger, Mary (the late Urban) Teder, Genevieve (the late John) Siebert, Francis (the late Deanna) Stenger and Sister Amelia Stenger; 20 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Adolph (Lucille) Stenger; and a sister: Teresa Reale.
A celebration of life will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 6800 Knights of Columbus Lane, in House Springs. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels of Greater St. Louis, P.O. Box 410395, St. Louis, 63141. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary in Cedar Hill.