Russel Stahly

Russel James Stahly was born June 3, 1927, near Ocheyedan, Iowa, to Rude and Etta (Winter) Stahly. He attended Allison #8 Country School and later graduated from Harris High School in 1945. He was inducted into the Army in 1945 where he spent time serving in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1947. He returned home to live on the family farm while he took on-the-job training as a mechanic at the Harris Garage and also worked as a trucker. On September 18, 1949 he was united in marriage to Beverly DeLint in Harris, Iowa, where they made their home. Russel and Beverly began farming in 1951 on the John Bergman farm near Harris. In 1954 they moved to the Arnold Stoltenberg farm north of Lake Park. They were blessed with three children: Sheryl, Michael, and Susan. They lived on the farm until 1986 when they moved into town. He was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Lake Park where he enjoyed serving the Lord, studying God's word, and worshipping with family and friends. Russel was active in the community where he had been a member of the City Council, The American Legion, the Lions Club, and the Elevator Board. He also enjoyed golfing, traveling, and the companionship of many friends. Russel passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at eighty-five years of age. Russel is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Sheryl (Paul) Donnenwerth of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Michael (Jackie) Stahly of Piedmont, South Dakota, Susan (Chris) McRae of Las Cruces, New Mexico; grandchildren, Lisa Donnenwerth, Luke (Megan) Donnenwerth, Desirae Stahly, Cody Stahly, Neal (Bethany) McRae, Thad McRae, Nathan McRae; great-grandson, Cole Donnenwerth; sister, Carol Davis, brother, Dan (Connie) Stahly; sister-in-law Stella Stahly; nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Richard Stahly, granddaughter, Robin Stahly, and brother-in-law, Burton Davis.