David Thomas Stauder

David Thomas "Dave" Stauder

July 25, 1943 - July 23, 2024

US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) David Thomas Stauder passed away Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, at Rust Presbyterian Hospital Albuquerque NM.

Dave was born July 25, 1943, to John Joseph and Catherine Louise (Epley) Stauder in Decatur, IL. He was a graduate of St. Teresa High School, Decatur, IL and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.

In 1961, Dave enlisted in the US Air Force at the age of 17 and spent over 30 years in aircraft maintenance, earning many awards and medals. In 1967, Dave married the love of his life, Kiyo Sugawara, in Hokkaido, Japan.

After his military retirement in 1990, he also worked at Sandia Laboratories until his final retirement. Dave loved spending time with his friends playing golf and was an avid fan of Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football. He enjoyed a cold beer and adored his beloved dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Mumeno Sugawara, as well as his brothers, Eugene L. Stauder and Joseph B. Stauder. He is survived by his loving wife, Kiyo, a sister, Judith A. Lawless of Quincy, IL, numerous nieces and nephews as well as many special friends and neighborhood pets.

A visitation for Dave will take place on Monday, August 12th, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., MDT, at FRENCH - Westside Chapel. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00 pm., in Santa Fe, New Mexico.