Frederick Stengel Obituary

Frederick "Mr. Fred" George Stengel Seabrook Island, SC - Frederick George Stengel (Mr. Fred) died Friday April 20, 2018. Fred was born December 12,1930 in Queens, New York. He was a long time resident of Seabrook Island, SC. Fred was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He graduated in 1952 with a major in Metallurgy and a minor in Architecture, and while at MIT he occupied the bow seat of the rowing team. He began his career with Westinghouse, working on the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine. He worked for General Atomic in California, United Nuclear Corporation in Missouri, and Gulf United Fuel Corporation in Connecticut. In 1974 he became the owner of several Meineke Muffler franchises in the southeast, as well as a general contractor here in Charleston, SC. He loved remodeling and building; his warm personality and architectural background resulted in many happy clients and unique homes, not to mention many interesting and thoughtful conversations. His hobbies included architecture, sailing, drawing, bird watching, and watching NASCAR races. Mr. Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Jenny Poore Stengel (aka the sparrow); sons Frederick Scott Stengel and wife Susan of James Island and William Shawn Stengel and wife Linda Sue of Sumter; daughters Kimberly Stengel McGhee and husband Patrick of Irmo, and Marguerite Lori Stengel West and husband Tim of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren Shannon West and wife Jamie, Leslie D McGhee, Mathew C McGhee, Blake Austin Stengel and wife Molly, and Drew Cameron Stengel; great-grandchildren Logan and London West; and his former wife Barbara Smith Stengel of Columbia. He is preceded in death by his parents Frederick W Stengel and Margaret Von Gunther Stengel. He also leaves behind his and Jenny's cat, Mr. Whiskers, their bird watching pal. Fred was a kind man of many talents, and he carried himself with sincere good humor. He was a wonderful husband to, and business partner with, his wife Jenny. Known to all of us as "the muffler maniac" and the "master builder", Fred could always be counted on to interject his wry quiet wisdom into many a conversation. We will all miss him very much. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fred's memory to a charity of one's choice. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston