Obituary: Earl George Stintzi

June 5, 1929 ~ September 29, 2022

Earl George Stintzi, 93, of Sturgeon Bay, died early Thursday morning, September 29, 2022 at Anna’s Healthcare in Sturgeon Bay.

He was born June 5, 1929 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Royal Frederick Stintzi and Sarah Ann (Klein) Stintzi. Earl grew up attending Holy Angels Catholic Church and School in Milwaukee where he received the initial Sacraments. He graduated from Messmer High School in Milwaukee with the class of 1947. Earl married his high school sweetheart, Mary Rita Kuchler, on July 24, 1948 at her home parish of St. Elizabeth in Milwaukee.

His career with Master Lock began the day after he finished high school, initially starting out as a plater’s helper and eventually working his way up to Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and President of Dexter Locks Manufacturing. Earl had a patent for a padlock body that was pick-resistant, but his greatest skill was as the chief negotiator, and was the only person to negotiate for the workers and as well the company. He was a veteran of management’s negotiating team. Earl was assigned to lead negotiations for the company. He schooled himself in the management techniques of newly emerging Japanese manufacturers, which was a respect for workers and a willingness to hear their ideas. And because those workers were represented by a union, Earl decided that making room for the union was critical. He wanted to create an atmosphere where the union was willing to work with the company to solve problems, rather than create problems. He determined to solve every problem to meet the satisfaction of both sides, making it a win-win. Earl retired from Master Lock in 1993.  He and Mary were world travelers enjoying trips to Ireland, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, China and Japan. They also visited family in Texas and Michigan often. Since 2004, Earl and Mary spent time regularly at their condo and moved to Door County fulltime in 2017, residing in Sturgeon Bay.

He and Mary were blessed to share over 72 years of marriage together. She preceded him in death on February 27, 2020.

Over the years, Earl was a parish member of St. Elizabeth in Milwaukee and Good Shepherd and St. Mary’s in Menomonee Falls, and Holy Hill in Hubertus. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Menomonee Falls. Earl was an “underhanded athlete” who loved bowling (with multiple 300 games), playing Dart ball and softball. He looked forward to attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Earl will be missed by his five children, Earlene (Arthur) Lutzke of Sturgeon Bay, Stephen (Debra) Stintzi of San Antonio, TX, John (Vicky) Stintzi of Fitchburg, James (Gail) Stintzi of Summerville, SC, and Joseph (Jocelyn) Stintzi of Adrian, MI; fourteen grandchildren, Annie (Jon) Larsen, Nick (Krista) Lutzke, Matt Stintzi, Andrea (Neil) Sodja, Peter (Jeannette) Stintzi, Ali (Drew) Nichols, Michael Stintzi, Ryan (Christa) Stintzi, Katie (Dave) Borud, Dave (Jen) Stintzi, Dan Stintzi, Cameron Stintzi, Gavin Stintzi, and Gabby Stintzi; sixteen great-grandchildren, Elliott, Oliver and Edy Larsen, Owen Lutzke, Ellis Stintzi, Nash Sodja, Conrad and Evie Stintzi, Margot Nichols, Marleigh, Clifford and Clyde Stintzi, Jackson and Henry Borud, and Noah and William Stintzi; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two siblings, Robert (Marilyn) Stintzi and Mae (Clarence “Shorty”) Seif; siblings-in-law, Roland (Gloria) Kuchler, Benedict (Bertha) Kuchler, and Sr. M. Josine Kuchler S.S.N.D.; and other relatives.

Earl’s life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 7, 2022 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church 811 W. Juniper Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with Fr. Carl Schmitt as celebrant and Dcn. Mark Hibbs assisting. He will be laid to rest in the columbarium at St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol, beside his wife, Mary.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Memorials may be given in Earl’s name to Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians (1525 Carmel Rd. Hubertus, WI  53033) (www.holyhill.com/donations) or School Sisters of Notre Dame (13105 Watertown Plank Rd Elm Grove, WI 53122 or ssnd.org/partner-us/gift).

“Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Anna’s Healthcare and Unity hospice for the wonderful, compassionate care given to our father.”

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC are assisting the Stintzi family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Earl may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.