Stahr, Earl

Earl Stahr, 95, of Vinton, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab in Vinton due to complications of age. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton, with the Rev. David Gates officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton, with military rites by George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 of Vinton and Iowa Military Funeral Honors of Iowa City.

Earl was born June 9, 1915, in Dysart, Iowa, the son of Charles and Sabina (Rost) Stahr. He graduated from Dysart High School. On May 19, 1940, Earl was united in marriage with Virginia Mae Bunten in Vinton. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2000. Earl served his country as a medic in the United States Army during World War II (1943-1945). He was on the beach at Normandy on the third day of that battle. He was a member of George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 in Vinton. He worked as a mechanic for Greenwood Chevrolet in Vinton and was later promoted to service manager and then parts manager. He also worked as a mechanic at Siemen's in Dysart.

Earl was a lifetime member of First Christian Church in Vinton. He enjoyed oil painting and playing the organ, harmonica and accordion.

Earl is survived by one great-nephew, Ron Stahr of Escondido, Calif.; and one great-niece, Michelle (Don) Prestige of Temecula, Calif.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and nine siblings.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Earl and his family.

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