Cecil E. Stiernagle

Cecil Edward Stiernagle, 93, passed away on February 5, 2026, at New Perspectives Senior Living in Mankato, MN.

Born on October 25, 1932, to Herbert and Annie (Wallace) Stiernagle, Cecil was born in Freeborn County, and raised in Waseca County.

In his professional journey, Cecil was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, owning and operating several businesses. His ventures included working with grain elevators, aerial agriculture spraying, agricultural production and farming, and service stations. His dedication to his professional and personal passions was admired by many. Cecil was loved by many, and his personality shone brightly through his rebellious spirit and zest for life.

His personal life was rich with love, particularly through his marriage to Leota Irene Webster on July 29, 1950, at All Saint's Catholic Church in New Richland, MN. The pair built a loving home together that would create an enduring legacy. 

Cecil will be remembered by his children: Kevin (Diane) Stiernagle, Kathy (Merlin) Maass, Keith (Paula) Stiernagle, Karyn (Loren) Kerksiek, and Kurt (Julie) Stiernagle, and Karla (Greg) Christensen; his twenty-three grandchidren; his fourty-seven great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; his two sisters, Nathalie Besser and Rebecca Kunst; brother Rex Routh along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cecil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leota; son Kim David Stiernagle; grandsons Rory Philipp and Shaun Maass; his parents, Herbert Edward Stiernagle and Annie Elizabeth Stiernagle; step-father Rex Routh; brother Robert Stiernagle; and brothers-in-law Sylvester "Pickles" Besser and Roger Kunst.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to St. Croix Hospice for all of their care and assistance throughout the end of Cecil's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Cecil's memory to St. Croix Hospice, 201 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato 56001.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, from 5 to 7 PM at Friedrich's Funeral Home, 217 Division St W, New Richland, 56072. A second visitation will take place on February 12, 2026, from 10 to 11 AM at Saint Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, 203 2nd St NW, New Richland, 56072, followed by a memorial service at the same location beginning at 11 AM, with burial taking place at Calvary Cemetery, immediately following services.

The livestream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services.

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