John Stach

John G. Stach, born on February 29, 1940, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Emil and Josephine (Barina) Stach.  He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1957 and soon after began a life of service and adventure. On May 6, 1958, he married Shirley Schmitz in Brandon, Minnesota. The couple embarked on their honeymoon traveling to Fort Lewis in Washington State, which marked the beginning of John’s honorable service in the United States Army. His military career took him and his family across the globe, with assignments at Fort Lewis; France; El Paso, Texas; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Stuttgart, Germany; and finally, Richard-Gebaur Air Force Base, Kansas City.

Together, John and Shirley raised six children while living in various locations across Minnesota, including Barnhardt, Wendell, Dalton, and Elbow Lake. Later in life, John and Shirley moved to Pinedale, Wyoming. After Shirley’s passing, John returned to Minnesota.

John had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. He also found joy in woodworking and did some stamp collecting.

John is preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley; in-laws Ray and Helen Schmitz, and 9 siblings.

John will be remembered by his children: Carmen (Doug) Brunsvold, Ray (Dawn) Stach, Karen (Joe) Leegaard, Gwen (Lorin) Tabb, Barb (Wayne) Ehlke, Robert (Deb) Stach; 19 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings; nieces and nephews and a host of friends. 

John’s memory will be cherished by those who knew him. May his legacy bring comfort to all who were touched by his life.

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