Kenneth L. Stolzer, Sr.

Kenneth LaVerne Stolzer, Sr., 67, died Monday, September 10, 2012 at his home near Washington, KS. A funeral service was held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, September 24, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Washington. Pastor Judy Hill officiated. Sheila Ouellette was organist. Stacy Behrens sang "Amazing Grace", Dr. James Smart sang "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" and the congregation sang "What a Friend We Have In Jesus." Ken was born August 15, 1945 at Kansas City, MO, and was adopted to Harvey and Pansy (Boswell) Stolzer. He went to grade school at Eureka and Scruby Schools and was part of the last class to have gone at Scruby. He went to eighth grade and high school at Washington, KS, where he graduated in 1963. He attended one semester at Fairbury Junior College in 1964. On November 5, 1963, he was united in marriage to Irma Jeanne Doering. She preceded him in death on October 12, 1994. In 1966, Ken moved to Oregon. In 1973, he graduated from nursing school in Walla Walla, WA. He returned to college in 1981 to become a correctional health specialist. Ken was one of only 5 nurses in Washington that could write prescriptions. In 1985, he moved to Evanston, WY, and in 1988 to Lander, WY. On June 17, 1995, he married Darlene Hallet and they moved to Douglas, WY, and in 2001 returned to Washington, KS. He continued with nursing until 2006, 35 years providing healthcare, retiring due to respiratory illness. Ken enjoyed Bingo and playing slots at the Casinos. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irma Jeanne; second wife, Darlene; and sons, Kenneth L. Stolzer, Jr., and Patrick L. Stolzer. Survivors include his sons, Christopher (Mary) Stolzer, Thermopolis, WY, and Colin (Bobbi Jo) Stolzer, Washington, KS; daughter, LaRee’ (John) Schaaf, Carpentersville, IL; stepsons, Robert Hiser, Bill (Dana) Hiser of Lander, WY; grandchildren, Dana, Kevin, Christopher Jr., Gilbert, Wolfen, Justin, Jonathan, Sierra; and four step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established to Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth L. Stolzer, Sr., please visit our flower store.