Paul “Casey” Stengel died of natural causes on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at the age of 97. The past year he had been living at the Central Montana Nursing home in Lewistown, Montana. Casey was born to Einar and Johanna Stengel in the rural community of Saum in northern Minnesota where he was raised with his older brother Bjarne and younger siblings, Eva and Arnold. He attended primary school in Saum and high school in Keliher. During World War II, he served in the US Army, 233rd Engineering Combat Battalion in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. He then attended Bemidji State Teachers College where he earned a BS in Education. In 1949 he married Garnette “Nick” Marmorine and their honeymoon consisted of the long drive from Bemidji to Malta, Montana to start his first job as a teacher. Sons Paul (1950) and David (1955) were born in Glasgow and Malta respectively.
During his 17 years in Malta, while teaching, coaching, counseling, and officiating sports, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Montana. He became the Malta High School principal and then was the Superintendent of Malta Schools. In 1966, Casey moved the family to Wolf Point, Montana, where he was the superintendent of schools for 10 years. In 1976, the superintendent job in Custer County had Casey and Nick moving to Miles City and serving in that position until his retirement in 1989. Soon after retiring, he took on a volunteer position with AARP providing educational workshops and training sessions throughout the Northwest states. Casey enjoyed the work and both he and Nick loved traveling to different locations that the work took him. When travel was no longer an option due to Nick’s deteriorating health, Casey became her fulltime caregiver and was the epitome of devotion until her death in 2006.
Casey had a long-term love affair with music and athletics, particularly those involving students in the local schools. If you needed to find him, you just needed to know where the concert or the ball game was going on. His life can be summarized by two words, education and service. He was a strong proponent that education was essential and that learning should be fun as well as interesting. When it comes to service, his granddaughter recently said it best, “Grandpa is an easy person to share about. I’m so proud to be related to him. His life was one of service. Service to country. Service to community. Service to education. Service to family. As I’ve been thinking about my favorite memories, everything goes back to serving someone besides himself. Such an honorable human! An amazing example for all who knew him.”
While he received many awards and accolades throughout his career and life, his true reward was the subtle enrichment or enhancement of another person’s life.
Survivors include sons Paul Jr (Merle) Stengel of Lewistown, MT and David (Roberta) Rio Verde, AZ; sister Eva Stengel, Keliher, MN and brother Arnold (Doris) Brainard, MN. Grandchildren Aaron (Lindsey) Stengel; Kassi (Chris) Stengel-Moore; great grandson Eli Moore and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and most of all his friends and neighbors whom he cherished. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Nick and his brother Bjarne.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 on Monday, May 3 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, Miles City, followed by burial at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Parlor. Condolences may be sent to the family and the funeral viewed by life stream at www.stevensonandsons.com on Casey’s obituary page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for a scholarship in memory of Casey Stengel to be established with the Miles City School District.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Monday May 3, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday May 3, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Denise and Jay Harvey and Ruben Oberlander says
Casey was such a huge supporter of our community and our students. He always could be seen at school events of any kind. He and his precious wife are finally reunited. He took such good care of Nick while she suffered with memory issues. He and Nick were treasured friends of my parents and we are grateful they lived in our community.
Thank you so much Casey!
Pam Rogge says
My prayers and condolences are with Casey’s family at this time. This kind and gentle man will always hold a special place in my heart! RIP Casey
Ginger Huckins says
Condolences to Casey’s family. He was such a dear sweet man. Everyone loved Casey. He will be missed.
Dave Schott says
I mostly knew Casey by name since he was the superintendent of schools when I was a student in the Miles City public schools. Then I had the pleasure of visiting with Casey at my dad’s funeral in December of 2010. What a nice guy he was. It was a real pleasure to speak with him. I am sad to hear he has passed. The world needs more people like Casey Stengel. Rest easy, Mr. Stengel.
James Arneson says
Casey was the superintendent of the School district when I worked there. I have missed seeing him from time to time to say “Hello” and see his contagious smile and gentle soul. I remember taking Casey turkey hunting one time and calling in a gobbler for him. The excitement for all three of us was priceless and has always been a wonderful memory of mine. All of the memories working for and with him are some of the fondest memories I will always hold dear. May God comfort his family and friends during this time of loss. I for one will never forget this amazing man. RIP Casey,
Daniel Killoy says
When I moved to Mile City at age 52 I probably thought I had met every friend I would ever have and certainly every person that would ever influence me I was so wrong in so many ways Casey became a dear dear friend and a phenomenal mentor watching him care and love for Nick made me a better man down the road I was faced with the Long Haul with my beautiful wife being severely lll. Being overwhelmed with what to do brought me to a decision. All I have to do is the act like Casey show up be a man take care of your wife thank you for this lesson Casey I value more than anything I have been talking to my life rest in peace your friend Danny
Libby Mathers Gardner says
Casey and my dad, Bill Mathers, would share a birthday dinner as Casey was one day older. As a Presbyterian, I valued Casey’s work in the church, and, as mentioned, his devotion to Nick as he continued to bring her to choir practice and other church events. I know he gave so much to the community of Miles City, in action, deed, and the example he set on being a good human being.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Casey was a sweet and gentle soul. We would visit with him when he frequented the Airport Inn and he always had Nick with him. My mom knew him from school teaching and then later they were both residing at Hearts and Home for a couple of years. We enjoyed him very much. Rest easy Casey.
carolyn mathison says
Remember Casey from tennis games..a true gentleman on the courts.
The VanFossen family says
Casey made Miles City a great community, always attending and supporting activities and cheering on our youth. He was our great next door neighbor. We were all so lucky to know him.
Condolences to the family. He will always be fondly remembered.
Jan, Steve, Dax, Ali & Drew VanFossen
Steve VanFossen says
Casey was a dear friend and a great neighbor. I always enjoyed visiting with Casey. He was a fantastic friend to educators in Miles City. He was always willing to lend a helping hand when asked. He will be missed by the Miles City Community.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sending my prayers for Casey’s family. It was a great pleasure to call Casey friend. We served on various committees together and shared watching/cheering for the Griz football team.
Betty Vail says
Casey was one of the first RSVP Volunteers I met when I became RSVP Director. His dedication to the Meals on Wheels program was impressive. I always enjoyed our conversations. Our community has lost a great one. Prayers
Myrna & Jr Perkins says
Sincerest Sympathy to Casey’s family. Not only was he a long-time friend, he was my Algebra teacher at Malta High School…a really fine man!! He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace.
Bernadette Miller says
My husband Verlin always enjoyed a good conversation with Casey- and now they can talk in heaven!! I enjoyed seeing Casey at my job, he was always cheerful and happy.
Margaret and Nolan Mikelson says
When Casey hired Nolan and we moved down, he not only welcomed us but helped unload the moving van. He made us feel welcome from the onset and became a good friend. I remember when I mentioned I had always wanted to cross country ski, he showed up at our door that winter with a pair of skis and took me skiing through the golf course. He would stop out at our house to visit and did so until he wasn’t driving anymore. What a good man and a friend not only to us, but also to Nolan’s dad for many, many years. He left many good memories for us. We shared cookies, caramel rolls, lefse and coffee but better than that, we shared good conversations. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
scott taylor says
David and family……I always thought your DAD was such a nice man back in high school….You were a year older than me….but I remember you too with Larry Monson and others……God Bless you all at this time…..A voice from Wolf Point…….Scott Taylor
connie strohmayer says
My condolences to the Stengal family. I was his secretary when he was the Superintendent of Schools in Miles City. He was the BEST boss ever. What a kind and generous man!!!!!! He is in heaven now reunited with Mrs. Stengel. Love to all.
Connie Strohmayer
Margaret and Jim Joyce says
I got to know Casey through our church. He and Nick were faithful members and good friends. Even after Nick started having health issues he brought her to sing in the church choir. He was a kind and thoughtful man. Condolences to his family.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Dave, Paul and families:
There was no finer man than Casey. A people person for sure. I venture that 100% of the residents of Custer County knew him. He always had positive things to say about everyone. Never missed a community event, especially if it involved students. We are richer for having known him. Our condolences on his passing.
Maureen O' says
Casey was such a wonderful man, he will be missed by so many. He and Jack did “Meals on Wheels” together at times and Jack so liked going with him. I especially remember the care he gave to Nicky. He would take her so many places with him (when he was volunteering) and I’m sure his devotion kept her well for so long. My condolences to all his family – he was truly one of the greatest.
Maureen o'reilly says
Casey was such a wonderful man, he will be missed by so many. He and Jack did “Meals on Wheels” together at times and Jack so liked going with him. I especially remember the care he gave to Nicky. He would take her so many places with him (when he was volunteering) and I’m sure his devotion kept her well for so long. My condolences to all his family – he was truly one of the greatest.
Dave & Jean Wheeler says
Casey wat one of the nicest person you could ever know. He continued supporting all of the Miles City events until he moved to Lewistown.
He would always speak to you when he met you on the street. Miles City has lost a great man. Our condolences to Casey’s family RIP CASEY
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
The world has lost a very kind and gracious man. He touched so many lives. My sincere sympathy to all Casey’s family & friends.
Joe Whalen says
What a solid citizen we had among us. I’ll miss the fine example Mr. Stengel set for every gentleman in Miles City.
Tim Cody says
David and Paul and families–So much love and respect for your dad, Casey!! He actually hired me to teach in Wolf Point when he was filling in during 1991 school year. I gained lots of wisdom and guidance from our visits. May the Lord Bless and Keep him and may he enjoy the Heavenly reunion with your mom!! Love and Comfort to you and your families!!
Jessie Leidholt says
Jim and I am so sorry to learn of Casey’s death. He was a true gentleman in every way possible. As his neighbor I was able to see his care and devotion to Nick. He was an inspiration to all of those who have to follow in his footsteps.
Darbie Karch and family says
So sorry to hear of Casey’s passing. Heaven gained one special angel! Had a heart of gold. Rest In Peace Casey. 💜
Jan bryan says
Such good memories. Of the whole Stengel family. They were true assets to Wold Point. Sending prayers of peace. Jan Bryan
Susan (Mahlum) Ferguson says
David, and Roberta, what a full life, well lived and much loved. What a great place Wolf Point was to grow up and go to school in the 1960, 1970’s. I always felt I moved forward with a great educational background. Your parents were a huge part of our community and helped make Wolf Point a great place for all of us. Prayers to y’all.
Carolyn Kimball says
Such a wonderful soul who always gave of himself for others.
Lourdes Reynolds says
Wow what a beautiful tribute befitting a well lived life and wonderful human being! Casey was our neighbor on Balsam -sending love to his family ❤️
Tomas Anderson says
Casey hired me in 1968 from Vermont to Wolf Point. I never worked for better person. His memory was unbelievable. He was a great contributor to mankind.
Tom Aberson
Jennifer Lesh says
Loved cleaning his home. Was kind and thoughtful. Heaven gained another angel
Charlotte Miller says
Casey handed me my HS diploma at Malta High School in 1966. It was a pleasure to get reacquainted with him as a member of our SE Retired Educators group many years later.
Antonia Klein says
Sending condolences to Casey’s family. He was truly one of a kind. I am blessed to have known him. RIP, Casey.
Chuck Strand says
I first talked to Casey in 1977 after I applied for the principalship at Lincoln School in Miles City. I had sent all the required paperwork in and was visiting my older brother in Alexandria, Minnesota when there was a call to my brother’s house asking for me. He gave his name to my brother and after the phone call to set up an interview, my brother said that he had a lady by the name of Eva Stengel teaching for him at the school he was principal at. What a coincidence, it was Casey’s sister! An interview was arranged and I was to stop in Miles City on my way back to Gt Falls. When I arrived in Miles City, it looked like a tornado had gone through it! There had been a terrible hailstorm the night before! We had the interview and he motored me over to Lincoln School. There were no windows left on the West side of the building. Casey assured me that they would get everything fixed prior to opening of school. I left town. Three days later I received a call from Casey offering me the job. I will always remember my reply, “why would you hire me? I have no experience in being a principal”. He replied, ” you have to start somewhere. ” We sold our house in Gt.Falls and made the move to Miles City. When we arrived, he had a crew of other administrators ready to move in to our new house.
School started and Casey was always available to help and give advice, but never ever micro managed me.
Casey was a joy to work for. He allowed me to take time off to referee high school basketball and football games. He told me that was “giving back to the student athletes”.
I have so many memories of those years working for Casey. Both of us had identical white ElCaminos. I parked mine in front of the school each day. One day my wife backed out of the garage and tore the passenger door off! It took weeks to get it repaired so I drove around for a period of time without a door! At a school board meeting, one of the Trustees complimented Casey for being over at Lincoln school helping the new principal so often because he saw his ElCamino there! That’s when Don Gundlach piped up and said, “Casey’s ElComio has two doors”
I still have diagrams that he drew me showing how to correct my golf swing! We hunted deer together, sat at baseball games and sometimes had a beer on his back patio! He attended almost all of the junior and senior high school games.
I spent ten wonderful years working for a wonderful man! I was blessed, as was everyone who had the opportunity to work for him.
I can say that I never heard him utter a derogatory word about anyone. That is a rare quality indeed.
Rest in peace my friend and boss.
Ron & Ginny Hathaway says
Every body use to say, “I want to be just like Casey when I grow up.” How true. What a void this has produced. Casey was on my golf team and what a treat it was to play with him. A true saint!
Doug Ellingson says
Casey came to Miles City as Supt. the same year I came as a teacher. He later hired me as an elem. principal. A wise and thoughtful educator, he was excellent to work with as he lead our District.A truly one of a kind gentleman who always put our students education first. Thoughts and prayers to the Family.
Connie Genger says
I can’t imagine Casey having an enemy in the world. He was a true gentle man. He was so supportive of me in Kiwanis and all the other activities I engaged in in Miles City. It always amazed me that he knew of my brother in Malta even though he came there after we left that town. Yes, music and sports sure were his deal! And service! What a role model. Our world was better because of him.
Joy Welch says
I remember your father during my school years in Wolf Point. He was a great Superintendent. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Joy Shumway Welch
Anita Hillis says
The world is a smaller place from the loss of Casey. He was a kind, caring and thoughtful man. I enjoyed every minute I spent with him. Fly away home Casey.
Elaine Long says
Dave, Paul and family – I am saddened to hear of the passing of Casey. I have such fond memories of both Casey and Nick and growing up with them as our neighbors in Wolf Point. I am grateful to have seen Casey on the Miles City golf course a few years back and had the honor of riding around in the cart with him and visiting about our families. It is a memory I will cherish always. My condolences to you all.
Garth Sleight says
During my 35 years in Miles City, I have been privileged to be acquainted with many exceptional educational leaders. Some of them, for me, have achieved iconic status. Casey Stengel was one of those icons, joining the likes of Jud Flower, Doug Ellingson, and Bart Freese. I know that Jud often spoke of his association with Casey and had nothing but the highest of praise for him. Our four children were very active with music in the Miles City schools, and yes, we could always count on Casey to be at the band and choral concerts. Thank you, Casey, for your sterling example as an educational leader and human being. We are better for having been blessed with your association and example.
Michael J Thompson says
I was so fortunate to start my education career by working for Casey. He was a great man and a wonderful educator. My memories of Wolf Point are so grand, and a lot of them are because of my association with this fantastic superintendent.
Darla (Beyl) Paul says
In 1998, I did my student teaching at Lincoln Elementary and Casey was my university supervisor. I still remember him telling me I was too nice when asking instead of telling students what they needed to do. Twenty-three years later I often have to remind myself and remember to apply it!
Jack and Charlene Regan says
Casey hired me in 1976 as an English teacher at the high school. He later encouraged me to apply for the assistant principal’s job and was hired in 1982. He was an outstanding leader but more importantly he was great example of a person we should all strive to emulate. He was a person you enjoyed being around. We golfed together, had our Thursday lunches and morning coffee with different groups. When I was superintendent he would often stop by just to talk and discuss the state of our schools. One time he came by and said he could never get a district kitchen built and was glad I had got it done as it was long over do in his estimation. I said it was probably just dumb luck on my part and we had a good laugh. I owe him so much for the success I had in my professional life but more importantly the gratitude I have for knowing Casey as a person and a friend. I truly believe he left this world way better than he found it. God bless you and your family and thanks for the memories! PS. I was lucky enough to be golfing with you when you got your hole in one!!!
barbara ludwig says
“Mr. Stengel was the principal and superintendent of Malta Schools when I was a student there. My father and mother, Harold and Rosa Lee Leib, were personal friends of both Paul and Nick. I remember both of them well, and especially Mr. Stengel, who was such a supportive high school principal during that long ago time. Several years ago, I sent a note to him when he celebrated his 90th birthday, and for a wonder…….he sent back a personally written note to me. I was astounded at the many Malta memories he had, many of which involved me as a student, and my family members. He was truly an outstanding, wonderfully compassionate man. A life well lived, and he will be missed. Barbara (Leib) Ludwig (now of Kalispell)
Darrin Pluhar says
As a student at CCDHS during the mid 80’s, Mr. Stengel was very approachable and friendly, always wearing that big smile. He went out of his way to get to know us as students and always wanted to know how we were doing, both individually and as a group. A true fixture at all activities. Even after high school, I remember catching up with him leaning on the fence at Denton Field watching a Saturday morning game, where he still cared how things were going in your life. When I went to Montana State, my roommate, Mark, was from Lewistown, who as a sophomore while playing basketball at CCDHS, broke his ankle. Mr. Stengle offered to take him to the ER and stayed the whole time until the team could pick Mark up, worrying that he would be OK. Through the whole ordeal, they developed a friendship and for the rest of his high school career, whenever Lewistown and Custer met, Mark raved how Mr. Stengel would seek him out just to make sure he was still doing alright. Another example of the type of person he was. I truly appreciate all that he did for our country, the community and “us” as students. We are all better for having the pleasure of knowing him. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Fred and Vicky Anderson says
I first met Casey in 1979 when he hired me as the Assistant Principal at CCDHS. I had just finished the course work on my PhD at CSU while on leave from Miles Community College. I would be the assistant to Don MacLennon and Bob ” pappy” Nees. It was the beginning of a 35 year career as a school administrator.
Casey was without a doubt the most outstanding Superintendent that I ever worked for or encountered. He was always there for advise and never micro managed. Vicky and I became close personal friends with Casey and Nick often traveling to tournaments and playoff games together ;as well as MHSA meetings
He encouraged me to become active in the professional associations which enabled be to serve as president of MASSP, SAM and eventually as a member of the NASSP national Board of Directors. He always told me,” you need to give back to the profession”.
I can recall leaving Miles City at 4:00 A.M driving with Casey to Helena to testify on pending legislation during legislative sessions and returning to Miles City the same night.
Casey was one of the most caring, compassionate people I have every worked with or for. Every decision was focused of the betterment of students and caring for and helping those who worked for the district.
It was a goal of mine to try to emulate his administrative style as I believe it was for every administrator who worked for him.
He was a true mentor and role model as well as a true friend.
Rest in Peace . Our prayers are with his family.
Lance Ivanish says
Casey and his family was a big part of my family. My mom taught at Malta under Casey. Nick and my mom were close friends. Then years later he became my wife’s boss in Miles City.
Susan Slanina says
I have fond memories of visiting the Stengel family in Malta many years ago. Casey was a great guy.
Dax VanFossen says
My family moved from Great Falls to Miles City in 1985. Our next door neighbors were Casey and Nick. I was 8 years old at the time. Casey and Nick both were always so kind to me as I grew up in our Balsam Dr. house. At the time, they had a little Weiner dog named Max, who’s bark was way worse than his bite. Never felt his bite. I think about Max, Casey and Nick often. As far as neighbors go. They were the best.
I’m almost 43 now and this news made me very sad. Another wonderful person has left us all. So glad I had the opportunity to know Casey, Nick and of course Max.
Jerry Olson says
Dovetailing on the theme of his “long-term love affair with music”: in the fall of 1974 our band (WPHS) had just
put on what we had considered a very good performance. The very next morning, Mr. Stengel (as I knew and
addressed him) went out of his way to stop into our rehearsal to personally congratulate and thank our director
(whom he had just hired) and each and every one of us for a job well done. That was the one and only time I ever
saw a senior-ranking school official do such a thing. He was a class act, start to finish.