Arthur (Arty) Stenger

Arthur “Arty” Stenger, age 16, of Montgomery, IL, died tragically alongside his best friend Elijah “Shy” Vajgert in an accident, Saturday, November 5, 2016. Gone in an instant, their bittersweet memories are all we have left as a balm to the hurting hearts of a community.
He was born to proud parents David and Rosa (Rocha) Stenger on August 11, 2000 in Aurora, IL.
Arty grew up in Aurora and attended local schools. The family moved to Montgomery in 2011, where Arty continued his education at Kaneland schools.
Arty was the quintessential “good kid” who had an amazing heart. He found ways each day to lift others up and leave them with a smile. He visited his grandparents each fall to help cut and load wood and it was during these trips that he developed a special bond with his grandparents. He was a part time tutor for his cousin David and a part-time dog walker for his uncle Joel’s yellow lab, Miley, who towed him at surprising speeds on his long board. If he worked up a thirst, nothing quenched quite like Orange Fanta, something he discovered on his school trip to Spain. Whenever his appetite peaked, Subway, pizza and chili dogs could fit the bill, but the way to his heart was bacon. Bacon wrapped filet mignon or his famous order of a bacon omelet with two sides of extra bacon never failed to put a smile on his face. Arty’s room was decorated with his favorite things, Einstein, swords and dragons. Arty wore his passions on his sleeve, sometimes literally, as with his large “authentic” dragon tattoo he tried to convince others was real. Orange was his color of choice for almost anything, including his future dream car, a Chevy Corvette. Arty was a gamer of the first degree, lording over his favorite PS3 games, but also knew the inner workings of his system, and many other electronic gadgets that he had the knack in fixing. Arty loved his family and would do anything for them. Family included his best friend Elijah “Shy” Vajgert. They spent nearly every waking hour together and became inseparable, shortly after meeting in seventh grade. Arty quickly became an “adopted son” in the Vajgert household, but Shy was no stranger to the Stenger’s either. As much as it hurts to lose them both, Shy and Arty can continue their adventures together, making the angels nervous at every turn.
He is survived by his loving parents, Dave and Rosa Stenger; one sister, Alicia and a brother Joey; his maternal grandfather, Jose Rocha; paternal grandmother, Alice Stenger; several aunts, uncles and too many cousins to count, plus a family of friends who will miss him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Felica Rocha; paternal grandfather, Ronald Stenger and paternal great-grandfather, Arthur Stenger.
Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m., Friday, November 11, 2016 at Kaneland Meredith Campus (former Kaneland Middle and Elementary School) , 1N137 Meredith Rd., Maple Park, IL . A mass to celebrate his faith will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, Aurora, IL, at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, November 12. Interment will follow at Risen Lord Catholic Cemetery, Oswego, IL.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Arty’s name. Checks may be made to Arthur Stenger Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66 Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family through the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page and www.conleycare.com where you can see their full life story.

A mass to celebrate his faith will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, Aurora, IL, at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, November 12.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m., Friday, November 11, 2016 at Kaneland Meredith Campus (former Kaneland Middle and Elementary School) , 1N137 Meredith Rd., Maple Park, IL .

Interment will follow at Risen Lord Catholic Cemetery, Oswego, IL.