Kenneth Stiltner

1946 - 2024

Kenneth Stiltner

August 27, 1946 - January 13, 2024

Tacoma, Washington - In Loving Memory of Kenneth W Stiltner (Uncle Kenny)

August 27, 1946 – January 13, 2024

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Kenny Stiltner, a cherished brother, father, uncle, grandfather, mentor, and friend, who peacefully departed on January 13, 2024 with family at his side. Noting his long standing agnosticism, his family is left to contemplate the existence of an afterlife – many believing that his beloved wife, Spring, welcomed him with open arms, in defiance of his skepticism.

Those who knew Kenny were delighted and wildly entertained by his humor, thirst for adventure, and unmatched storytelling. An avid sports and music lover, Kenny was an infallible fan, believing that "If there ain't no audience, there ain't no show!"

Proud of his family and honorable military service, Kenny's life began in Tacoma. The son of Cleora Nelson (Miller) and Franklin Stiltner, Kenny was the middle of five children. Early in life and into their later years, Kenny and his older sister, Geri, twin sister, Kathie, and younger sister, Stephanie remained close in times of joy and sadness, always helping each other out whenever the need arose.

Attending Franklin Elementary, Jason Lee (now Heritage), and Stadium High School, Kenny was known for his charisma, creativity, playfulness, and occasional mischief – he once received a traffic ticket for enjoying an ice cream cone while driving.

After high school, Kenny embarked on a journey that included the Air Force, a deployment in the Philippines with future best man Dennis Mattson, music festivals with double first cousin Wesley Stiltner, and intellectual pursuits at Tacoma Community College and Evergreen State College. His life's adventures extended to the Navy and a career at the phone company, starting as a secretary and advancing to the position of lineman. He was a proud union member, participated in the company softball team, and anticipated Seahawk Sundays.

In retirement, Kenny enjoyed spending time with family. Always up for adventure, he enjoyed a multitude of activities and excursions, from Burning Man to Mexico and Alaska, where at 75 years old, he caught his limit in halibut and the largest salmon of anyone on the boat.

Kenny's eyes always lit up when he spoke about Spring, his wife of 36 years. Spring's dear friend Ed Aulerich (whose time in this world was too short) introduced them. Kenny could recount the details of their early encounters, describing the lasting impression of Spring's uncommon radiance, serene countenance, and astonishing intelligence. He was her knight in shining armor through all of life's challenges and a devoted caregiver when she needed him the most. Together, Kenny and Spring accomplished many things, the most significant of which was raising two incredible daughters of whom they were enormously proud.

Kenny is predeceased by his wife Spring Stiltner (Robertson); father Franklin; mother Cleora; and brother Steven. He is survived by his daughters Mary Hasty (Stiltner) and Sara Stiltner; grandchildren Bridget, Elise, and Dale; sisters Geri, Kathie, and Stephanie; sister-in-law Mollie Robertson; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The family invites you to a celebration of Kenny's life on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 3pm at the Elks Club in Lakewood, WA. Join us to share memories and a few laughs in honor of this charismatic man. Please RSVP (optional but appreciated) by emailing UncleKenny@posteo.org. Remembrance donations are suggested to Oasis Youth Center, Communities for a Healthy Bay, and La Resistencia.

May Uncle Kenny rest in peace, dearly missed and forever loved.