Frank Stadler

Frank Stadler, 87, of Barrington, passed away unexpectedly on January 4, 2026. He was born on July 30, 1938, in Yugoslavia to Joseph and Elisabeth Stadler. As a young boy, Frank came to the United States with his family, beginning a new chapter far from his birthplace.

From an early age, Frank was always on the move. His love of sports and teamwork led him and a group of friends to found the Green White Soccer Club in Chicago—an organization that remains active today in Mt. Prospect. Soccer became a lasting family tradition, with both his children and grandchildren proudly playing in the club he helped create.

On June 24, 1961, Frank married the love of his life, Gertrude Kuhn, at St. Alphonsus Church in Chicago. Together they shared a lifetime of adventure and companionship. Both avid travelers, Frank and Trudy visited six of the seven continents, with especially memorable journeys to Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Kenya, and numerous trips back to their roots in Germany.

Frank was deeply connected to his heritage and the German community, serving as an active member of the Donauschwaben Society of Chicago. He embraced the outdoors in all seasons—whether skiing as a dedicated member of the Alpine Ski Club, hiking through nature, tending his garden, or spending a day on the golf course. He was also a loyal Chicago sports fan, enthusiastically cheering on the Blackhawks and the Bears.

Above all else, Frank cherished his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his children and, especially, his grandchildren, who were the true center of his world. Some of his proudest moments were watching his grandchildren compete in sports and perform on stage.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Trudy and his four sons: Walter (Lisa) Stadler and children Madeline, Lauren (fiancé Patrick Browne), Richard Stadler and children Alec, Aidan, Katrina, Peter (Kristen) Stadler and children Anders (fiancée Arienne Weil), Katherine and Robert (Sheila) Stadler and children Ryan and Magdalena.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Kim Stadler.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 4 PM until 8 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Visitation will resume on Friday, January 9, 2026 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 Ela St. (corner of Franklin and Ela Sts) Barrington from 9:30 AM until the funeral mass at 10:30 AM. Entombment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles.