Obituary of Richard Stahly

Richard Dale Stahly was born August 26, 1932, in Allison Township, Osceola County, to Rude and Etta (Winter) Stahly. He attended Allison #8 Country School and later graduated from Harris High School in 1951. He volunteered for the draft in 1953 and spent two years in the Army serving in Korea and Japan. On November 15, 1957, he was united in marriage to Stella Nelsen in the Methodist Church, Ruthven, Iowa. In March 1958, the couple moved to the family farm in rural Harris which had been in the family since 1901. Dick and Stella raised three sons there: Dennis Lee, David Jon and Douglas Ray. They lived on the farm for 43 years until 2000 when they built a home and moved to Lake Park. Dick was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Harris where he was baptized and confirmed. During that time, he served as Elder, Chairman, Trustee and led an adult bible class. When St. John's closed, the family joined Concordia Lutheran in Lake Park. He liked sports. He played baseball, basketball, fast pitch softball and also bowled and golfed. As a young teenager, he enjoyed trapping and sold pelts. He and Stella also liked to dance. He faithfully attended all school events of his sons and equally enjoyed attending the grandchildren's events. More importantly than anything else, he loved the Lord and his family. He died August 5, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family. He was proceeded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Burton Davis. L eft to remember his life are his wife, Stella; sons, Dennis (Tracy), David (Lori) and Douglas (Julie); three granddaughters Sarah Vande Hoef (Troy), Lindsey Haynes (Nick) and Lexi Stahly; five step-grandchildren, Lacey and Lindsey Reese, Levi, Hannah and Alexa Mogan; one great granddaughter, Brienna Lynn Vandehoef; three step-great grandchildren, Justine Reese, Kya Haynes, Jack Watzek; one sister, Carole Davis; two brothers, Russell (Beverly) Stahly and Dan (Connie) Stahly; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.