Peggy A. Stencel

LEXINGTON- Margaret "Peggy" Stencel, age 66, of Lexington passed away peacefully on March 26, 2023 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born in Detroit, MI on October 7, 1956 to the late Joseph and Patricia Rzepka and was the fifth of eight children. She married the love of her life, Steve Stencel, on March 11, 1989.
Peggy graduated from Thurston High School in 1974. She was an active student, basketball player, cheerleader, majorette, student council member, and Daughter of the American Revolution. She earned an associate's degree from St. Clair County Community College in legal secretarial science in 1977. After college, Peggy moved to Sarasota, FL with her sister Kathy, where she made numerous life-long friends and worked as a legal secretary, bartender, and yacht closing coordinator.
Peggy moved back to Michigan in 1986 after falling in love with her future husband Steve. Steve and Peggy had fun wherever they went. From taking motorcycle trips across the country to exploring local watering holes, there was never a dull moment. They eventually settled in Troy, MI and embarked on their greatest adventure in 1990 when they had their first child, Jaclyn. Over the next five years, the chaos continued as they welcomed three more children - Steven, Nicole, and Jennifer. Peggy's kids were her pride and joy. She spent countless hours supporting them at their extracurricular activities, helping them with schoolwork, and traveling to all of their sporting events. She was proud of their many college endeavors and loved visiting them on campus. Peggy's heart grew even bigger when she welcomed her granddaughter Brooklyn Kate in May 2021. She loved every minute of being her "Mamo."
Peggy was an entrepreneur at heart. She and Steve purchased the Country Orchard in Croswell, MI in 1994. They enjoyed running their own business and serving the Cros-Lex community. Peggy found her true passion, however, when she took over the Rzepka family business in 1998 – the Lakeside A&W. Over the next 25 years, Peggy poured her heart and soul into the restaurant, employing countless family and community members. She was a mentor to all of her employees, teaching them the value of hard work and encouraging them to excel in all aspects of their lives. She loved hosting events for the community, including cruise nights, car shows, and tractor shows. Peggy was proud to carry on her family's legacy, and her impact was felt by many.
In addition to owning the A&W, Peggy and Steve purchased the Lighthouse Creamery in 2015. Peggy juggled managing both businesses with ease, and she always had a smile on her face as she was serving customers. Through all of her work in Lexington, Peggy became a pillar of the community. She orchestrated countless car and tractor shows at the A&W, served as the Grand Marshal in the Fourth of July parade in 2019, sponsored numerous Cros-Lex athletic teams, and was involved in organizations such as the Lexington Business Association (former President), the Downtown District Authority, and the Black River Antique Power Tractor Club. Her service to the community will be fondly remembered.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Patricia Rzepka, her brother John Rzepka, and her aunt Bernice Zygiel. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Steve; her four children: Jaclyn (James) Andrzejewski, Steven, Nicole, and Jennifer; and her grandchildren: Brooklyn Kate and Baby Boy Andrzejewski (due June 2023). She is survived also by her loving siblings: Janet Rzepka, Joseph (CC) Rzepka, Kathy (Dan) VanLacken, Judy Gaw, Sue (Steve) Bombard, and Patti (Cam) Comire; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored her. Peggy will be greatly missed by the many people who loved her and the community members whose lives she touched.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 2-8 P.M. at the Pomeroy Funeral Home in Lexington. Rosary Devotions will be held at 7:30 P.M. Thursday evening. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Ave Maria Parish-St. Denis Catholic Church in Lexington, with visiting at the church from 9-10 A.M. Fr. Donald J. Eppenbrock will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Croswell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. A scholarship fund will be established in Peggy's honor.