Stahle, Samuel J.

Samuel J. Stahle, 65, a lifelong Solon resident and farmer, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at Mercy Iowa City following a sudden illness. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1749 Racine Ave. NE, Solon, where there will be a 7 p.m. parish vigil. Brosh Chapel in Solon is in charge of arrangements.

Sam was born July 18, 1945, to John and Alma Serbousek Stahle. He graduated from Solon High School and joined his father on the family farm. Farming was his life – career, hobby and passion. Sam met Diane Neumann from Elkader and they married in 1968. They happily lived their life in Solon and raised four children.

Sam was a strong believer in his faith. He was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon. Sam participated in many committees and farmed the church land for many years. Sam thoroughly enjoyed his responsibilities as a bank director for Solon State Bank. Sam was a steward of the land. He loved the land and worked hard at many projects throughout his life – Watershed Committee, Wetlands at the Solon Nature and Recreation Area, board member of the Solon Area Community Foundation, and spearheaded the 1980s reconstruction of Solon High School football field.

Sam will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud father, a wonderful grandpa, great neighbor and friend. Sam was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Sam is survived by his wife of 41 years, Diane; his four children, Kyle (Jennifer) of Solon, Kurt (Keri) of Solon, Kevin (Jackie) of Solon and Kelly (fiance Billy Scharf) of Solon; his nine grandchildren were his pride and joy, Kolbi (16), Jack (11), Joe (8), Sean (5), Sophia (5), Aly (4), Nick (2), Keenan (9) and Breanne (7 months); his mother-in-law, Ella Neumann of Solon (previously Elkader area); and a brother-in-law, David Cilek of Solon.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Stahle; Alma and Harold Hall; and a sister, Jocile Cilek.

Sam loved watching his grandchildren participate in sports, taking care of his many pets, talking with friends at the “farm,” spending time at the “pond,” and his annual snowmobiling trips up north with good friends.

His family would like to express their sincere thanks to all our family and friends that have reached out to us. Your acts of kindness are greatly appreciated and will be remembered. Sam will be greatly missed!

A memorial fund has been established in Sam's name at the Solon State Bank, Solon, IA 52333.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at