Willard Frank Stahlecker

Willard was born just west of Bethune to William and Amelia (Kramer) Stahlecker as the 4th child of eight children. He attended Bethune School until the fall of 1942 when the family moved to the Stahlecker homestead further north of Bethune. The Stahlecker children then attended the country school Union 28. Willard's siblings tell the story of how the teacher gave Willard 1st grade books even though he was a third grader because of his small size. Willard was too shy to speak up but one of the older boys managed to convince the teacher that he was indeed a third grader. Willard continued his education at the country school until he was in junior high when the family again began attending school in Bethune. He graduated in the class of 1953.
Willard joined the National Guard at the age of 17 with his father giving him permission to do so. During his time in the National Guard, he served at Fort Carson here in Colorado and he also attended officer's school in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas and Fort Lee near Petersburg, Virginia and he eventually ascended to the office of Captain. He was called into active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis, but luckily the crisis was quickly resolved. During this time, he met Jeanie Hoyda at Standish Drug Store and the two dated until their marriage in April of 1964. He resigned from the National Guard shortly thereafter.
For a brief time, he farmed for his father and then worked as a hired hand at the Hartman's. Roger William was born in 1965 and Deanna K. came along a few years later. Shortly thereafter the family moved to the Town of Bethune, where the family currently resides. Willard then went to work for Standard Oil Company which eventually became Wilcox Oil. Willard worked as a bookkeeper, and he delivered fuel and sprayed herbicides for the local farmers' crops for over 40 years.
Willard also served the Town of Bethune in the capacity of Town Clerk. His knowledge as a bookkeeper served him well at this job. For many residents he was Mr. "Town of Bethune." If there was a problem or a question, it was always Willard who got the call.
After he retired from Wilcox Oil, he worked for the Bethune Post Office and then he was happy to have the privilege of working at the Bethune School as an aide. He very much enjoyed his time spent there and, in some ways, revisited his youth.
Willard enjoyed his later years building things, taking care of the yard, spending time with his dog, Freckles, feeding and watering the birds and squirrels and spending time with his family.
In everything that Willard did, he strived to do best. He believed that a person's character is defined by what one does when no one is watching. His faith in God was very strong and unwavering, and he was a leader in his own quiet way. He was a faithful servant to his Lord Jesus Christ with his brothers and sisters here at the First Christian Church.
After a brief illness, Willard went home to be with his heavenly Father on Saturday, November 30. The Lord called him home just six days before his 89th birthday. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Elmer and sister Marge, brothers-in law Bob, Paul, Milton, Orlie and Dalwon. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Jeanie, his son, Roger and his daughter, Deanna K. Also surviving are his sisters, Clarine, Iva and Jean, and brothers Ivan and George and his wife Janie, and brother-in-law Wendell. Also left to mourn are sister-in-law Reta and sister-in-law Vickie and husband Dean, brother-in-law Gary, along with fifteen nieces and nephews. Willard also leaves behind a loving church family and many close friends who will miss him dearly.
Memorials in honor of Willard may be designated to the American Legion in Stratton or Tunnel to Towers Foundations.