Richard R. Stoffel

Richard “Dick” R. Stoffel, age 83, of Le Sueur passed away on February 15, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. followed by Military Honors at church. Father Chris Shofner will officiate. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 3 to 7 p.m., beginning with Rosary at 2:45 p.m., then continue Monday morning at Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur.

Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Richard was born in Mankato, Minnesota on January 6, 1940 to Nick and Julia (Scheurer) Stoffel. He grew up in the St.Peter area, where he also graduated from Saint Peter High School in 1958. After graduation, Dick joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. He served from 1958 to 1961. Richard then moved to Le Sueur and on August 4, 1962 Richard married Joan Michels at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Peter. Together, they raised six wonderful children.

He worked for the Minnesota State Highway Department for 25 years and retired in 1992.

His family, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved his many friends as if they were his family. Dick enjoyed winters in Arizona surrounded by his “camping buddies”. Woodworking was his passion. He was an extremely gifted craftsman as evidenced by the many beautiful pieces of furniture that he restored or built from scratch. There is a part of him in everything that he did in his shop- his happy place. He loved coffee with his friends whether it be at the local café or when someone would stop by the shop to see his latest project.

Richard is survived by his wife Joan; Children; Julie (Mark) Dierling of Forest Lake; Colleen (Bill) Savage of Le Sueur; Carol (Jerry) Gelle of Rogers; Brian Stoffel and his special friend, Katie Conlin of LeSueur; Sharon (Craig) Brekke of Lakeville and Amy (Jason) Hamilton of Olathe, KS; eleven Grandchildren; eight Great-Grandchildren; Sisters; Joanne (Clem) Traxler of Le Center; Germaine (James) McCarthy of Colorado Springs, CO and brothers; Warner and James Stoffel of St. Peter, MN.

He is preceded in death by parents and brothers; Roger and Harvey.

The family is extremely grateful for the caring staff at Ridgeview Home Health and Mayo Hospice Program for the wonderful care they provided Richard, and the heartfelt support they gave the family. Also, we want to thank all of the great health care professionals that were such an important part of his medical team.