Carl Robert Stenger IV

Carl Robert Stenger IV, age 66 of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on May 22nd, 2025. Carl was born on April 20, 1959 in Guymon, Oklahoma to Carl Robert Stenger III and Sharolyn Jean Stenger (nee Hoover). Carl attended Coronado High School in Scottsdale, AZ, and was part of the class of 1977. He then went on to Tarrant County Junior College and studied music. Carl was married to Leslie Sue Elmore-Stenger on March 14, 1995 in Arlington, Texas. They were married for 30 years. Carl is survived by his wife, parents, and siblings; Charles Anthony Stenger (Terry), John Wesley Stenger (Christina), and Mary Chang (nee Stenger)(John), his children; Carl Robert Stenger V, Chelsea Elyse Stenger, Madison Sue Minthorn (nee Elmore), and Stephen Russell Elmore, as well as his grandchildren; Quinn Ivy Minthorn, and Zane Wyatt Minthorn.

Carl was a devoted family man, who greatly enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, as well as time spent together as a family. From attending his eldest son Robert’s graduation from Navy Bootcamp, or his elder daughter Chelsea’s violin performances. To attending dance competitions all over New Mexico, and Las Vegas, Nevada, for his younger daughter Madison (Maddie) to attending athletic competitions all over New Mexico for his son Stephen; Carl loved to watch his kids succeed. His grandchildren though, were his greatest delight and proudest chapter. He greatly enjoyed attending pre-school Christmas performances and he was most looking forward to attending his granddaughter Quinn’s Pre-K Graduation on May 22nd. His grandchildren were his greatest love and biggest blessing.

Carl had many “careers” and was truly a Renaissance Man and a Jack of all Trades, until he was forced into early retirement at age 50 due to a series of automobile accidents and degenerative disc disease that made him permanently disabled. He had a series of spinal fusions and a cage surrounding all of the hardware. His final spinal surgery in 2010 gave him deep tissue MRSA, which destroyed his aortic valve. He received a mechanical valve later that same year. The valve replacement gave him an additional 15 years with his family and friends.

Carl had a lifelong passion for music of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. He was an accomplished vocalist and composer, having been a member of the Texas Boys Choir as a boy soprano. Later in life Carl was a Choir Director for 3 United Methodist Churches in Arlington, Kennedale, and Fort Worth, Texas. Carl also composed sacred music, and his compositions have been performed in Texas and New Mexico. Carl was a member of Central United Methodist Church and a much loved member of the choir and men’s ensemble.

Aviation and Space were Carl’s second passion, and when his wife and youngest daughter bought him flight lessons for his 55th birthday, he became a Certified Sport Pilot. He greatly enjoyed taking family and friends up for a joyride to Santa Fe, but he most loved the cross country trips he was able to take with his wife. They attended AOPA Fly-Ins in Colorado Springs, CO and Scottsdale, AZ. They also flew to visit family and friends in Texas a few times.

Carl will be greatly missed and forever loved.

Donations may be made to Central United Methodist Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico, or, St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.

“There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish. The thing is to try to do as much as you can in the time that you have. Time is short, and suddenly, you’re not here anymore.” Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 11:00 AM, Daniels Family Funeral Services - Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.