Howard E. Stifel
April 19, 2012
Howard E. Stifel, 78, died Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Mercy Hospital from complications of surgery for cancer. He was born May 20, 1933 to W. Frederick “Fritz” and Alberta (Youtz) Stifel near Cumming and was raised on the family farm in Grimes.
Howard graduated from Johnston High School and served in the Army during the Korean War. He was a sales representative for most of his life working at Des Moines Beer, Rite Beverage, Valley Wines, and retiring from Wright Chevrolet in Carlisle. He was a member of Waveland Park Masonic Lodge #654, National Rifleman’s Association, and Isaac Walton League for 47 years. Howard enjoyed his time outdoors, fishing and hunting.
Howard will be remembered for his sense of humor, odd way of looking at time – Everything is “about 10 till”, and sharing his birthday with his birthday great-granddaughter, Bella.
Howard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Phyllis; children, Steve (Val) Stifel, Terry (Lannette) Stifel, Sherry (Bryan) Stifel-Glider; and Lawrence Stifel; step-children, Gayle Pebera, Thomas (Vicki) Rush, and Mark (Elizabeth) Rush; step-daughter-in-law, Toni Rush; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren with one on the way; brother, Kenneth (Gae) Stifel; beloved dog, Molly; and a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his step-son, Michael Rush; and brothers, Donald, William, and Robert Stifel.
A visitation will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. A private burial of cremains will occur at a later date at the Masonic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Isaac Walton League, Attn: Carolyn, 4343 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
larry maynes
04/24/2012
i am very saddened by wimpy's passing. i looked forward, as he did, to our weekly coffee meetings at the store. we solved world problems, talked about our dogs, gardening etc. i will really miss you wimpy, but you will always be in my heart. god bless.
Carolyn Berndt
04/20/2012
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I could have searched the world over and could not have found a guy so special to volunteer and do whatever he could do for the Izaak Walton League. Even when he wasn't up to it, he was always there. What a wonderful guy and someone who I can always call my friend and buddy. Wimpy, you were loved!!!