Donald Stadler

Donald J. Stadler, age 84 of Faribault, died Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at his home.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, in Faribault. Interment will be held at Maple Lawn Cemetery with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Organization.   Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to services.   Donald Joseph, the son of Albert and Leona (Durand) Stadler, was born on April 10, 1927 in Iowa Falls, IA. After his schooling Don served in the Navy during World War II. On April 26, 1948 he was united in marriage to Betty Ramey at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Iowa Falls, IA. After their marriage they lived in Iowa Falls and Don worked for the Ralston Purina Company, first as a maintenance man and later was promoted to Foreman and was a boiler operator. His work with Ralston Purina also moved him to Lincoln, NE where they lived for a short time. In 1971 they moved to Faribault and Don was the boiler operator for Land 'O Lakes until 1986 when he retired. Mrs. Stadler preceded him in death on Jan. 30, 2006.  Don was self taught handy man and took great pride in taking care of his home. He was a hard worker and good provider for his family who he loved very much. Don enjoyed going to garage sales, movies, fishing, playing cards, dancing and playing the guitar and singing. He was a member of the Faribault Senior Center and enjoyed spending time with his friends there.   He is survived by four children, Dennis (Mary Jo) Benoit of Faribault, Donna (Jim) Hermes of Owatonna, Dale Stadler and special friend Joy Kuball of Faribault and Deborah (Tim) Rule of Faribault; by 10 grandchildren, Patrick Stadler, Stephanie Stadler, Kevin Stadler, Jason (Tina) Hermes, Chris (Alicia) Hermes, Justin (Jenny) Hermes, Kim Stadler, Elizabeth Stadler, Dr. Jenny (Will) Mann and Jesse Rule; by 12 great grandchildren, Michael Stadler, Chelsea Stadler, Noah Stadler, Olivia Stadler, Katlynn Swanson, Sidney Hermes, Jayda Hermes, Camryn Hermes, Baylee Hermes, Gavin Hermes, Tate Hermes and Kyra Hermes; by four brothers, Kenny (Amber) Stadler, Ronnie (Denise) Stadler, Robert "Bucky" (Linda) Stadler and Bill (Francine) Stadler, all of Faribault; by four sisters, Eunice Mahagnoul of Faribault, Audrey Stephens of Port Arthur, TX, Pat Knott and Barb Savoie, both of Faribault and by nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents, by a son Ricky Stadler, by a granddaughter, Pamela Stadler, by four brothers, Harry, Paul, Herbie and David "Judd" Stadler and by two sisters, Doris Goodknight and Phyllis Ress.