Donald Richard Stahl

Donald Stahl was born in Castlewood, South Dakota on February 11, 1931, to parents John and Minnie Stahl. He joined two sisters (Violet and Phyllis) and was later joined by siblings Vera, Duane, and Janice. He grew up on a dairy farm in Hamlin County and attended country school with his siblings. Don fondly remembered his childhood and happy times with his family. In 1952, Don joined the Army and served with a K-9 unit in the Korean War. He was a proud veteran and enjoyed several reunions with the K-9 Corps members through the years. On September 8, 1955, Don married Elaine Schmidt. Don and Elaine had known each other since childhood, having grown up on neighboring farms. Together, their family includes three daughters (Cindra, Jill, and Shelly) and two grandchildren (Tyler and Jordyn). Don fell in love with Colorado after having spent time at Fort Carson, Colorado during his military service. In 1964, when Shelly was just a baby, Don and Elaine made a significant change in their lives and moved to Colorado. Don began an apprenticeship in carpentry (in Denver) and carpentry became Don’s lifelong trade. Even after officially retiring, Don continued construction work, completing small projects for neighbors, and building a workshop/garage when he was nearly 80 years old! Don and Elaine moved to Oregon City, Oregon in their retirement. For many years, they lived the life of snowbirds and spent winters in Casa Grande, Arizona. Don and Elaine enjoyed many family vacations, including cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal, and a trip to Korea. In the past few years, Don began to suffer from Alzheimer’s dementia. In his mind, he often returned home to South Dakota. We are comforted knowing that he has now joined his parents and siblings again. Donald is survived by his wife, Elaine Stahl of Wilsonville, OR; one sister, Janice Schiernbeck of Castlewood, SD, sister-in-law Ruth Stahl of Zumbrota, MN; in-laws Ardis and Erwin Rindels of Castlewood, SD; daughters Cindra Stahl (Mike Davenport) of Whitefish, MT; Jill Gilbert (Mike Gilbert) of Ridgefield, WA; and Shelly Stahl-Linenberger (Mike Linenberger) of Wilsonville, OR. Grandchildren are Tyler Johnson and Jordyn Linenberger, both of Denver, CO. If you wish to make a donation, please consider The Springs of Wilsonville, 7600 SW Vlahos Drive, Wilsonville, OR 97070, attn Business Office, or a veterans’ cause. A private interment will be held at the Willamette National Cemetery on Monday, November 6th. A Celebration of Life reception will be held at The Springs of Wilsonville, 7600 SW Vlahos Dr., Wilsonville, OR from 2PM to 4PM on Tuesday, November 7th. All are welcome to attend.

Donald Richard Stahl

February 11, 1931 - October 25, 2023