On a spring day, May 31, 2020, 58-year-old Jeffrey Lawrence Stenz went fishing with a friend on Lake Michigan, a trip that would end in his tragic disappearance. The two were approximately 10 miles off the coast of Port Washington, Wisconsin, when their boat began to take on water and ultimately capsized. The situation turned dire as Jeffrey, who reportedly could not swim, struggled to hold onto the overturned vessel.
His friend recounted that Jeffrey eventually let go of the boat and slipped under the water's surface. Despite search efforts, Jeffrey's body has not been recovered.
Jeffrey, known as Jeff to his friends and family, was a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the water. Born in Milwaukee, he moved to Minocqua at the age of 14 and developed a profound passion for fishing. This was not just a hobby, but a craft he honed, studying fish patterns to the point of becoming a guide and starting his own business, 4 Seans Guide Service. He was a familiar face at sport shows, where he would share his unique fishing style and knowledge of tackle. To support his love for fishing, he worked various jobs, including as a cook in several area restaurants and as a meat cutter. At the time of his death, he was proudly employed at Mercury Marine, building the very engines that had powered his fishing boats throughout his career.
The official investigation into Jeffrey's disappearance is being handled by the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office. He is described as a white male, 5'9" tall, weighing 150 pounds, with blond or strawberry hair and blue eyes. His case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictable nature of the water and the profound loss experienced by his surviving family, which includes his son, stepson, and five brothers. The incident is an overview of a recreational outing that turned into a fight for survival, ending with one friend making it back to shore and the other, Jeffrey Stenz, being lost to the lake he so loved.Last Seen: May 31, 2020
