Dennis "Red" Stolz

November 15, 1951 ~ October 5, 2024
Born in:
New Hampton, IA
Resided in:
New Hampton, IA
Dennis Stolz age 72 of New Hampton, IA, died Saturday, October 5, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, at St. Boniface Church In Ionia with celebrant Reverand James Goerend celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at the church in Ionia with the family for an hour beforehand. Dennis will be interred next to his wife, Laura, at the New Hampton City Cemetery in a private burial with family.
Before he passed, he was able to discuss how he would like his life to be celebrated. In lieu of a wake, his wishes were for the family to host an open house style celebration at the farmstead he dearly loved in his beautiful new home that gave him the independence he so valued. You are welcome to join the family on Thursday, October 10th, between the hours of 4 pm to 7 pm at the home, 1838 220th Street in New Hampton for light refreshments and beverages, a time of laughter, sharing stories of Dennis (we know there are lots!), and community in his honor. The family hopes you are able to join them as there will not be a celebration after the Mass.
Dennis Alan (Red) Stolz was born on November 15, 1951, to A.C. and Janice (Kelly) Stolz. He was lucky enough to grow up on his family farm with his three sisters (Lonnie, Mary and Lora Jo) and brother (David) and often subjected his children to exaggerated stories of untold hardships and tales of the trouble he would get into growing up that would leave everyone laughing.
He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and New Hampton High School, graduating in 1969. He attended Iowa State University briefly, then returned to New Hampton and began working a myriad of jobs throughout the county.
Quick wit and an unending sense of humor helped introduce him to his wife Laura, who was on a date with someone else when he told her that she should probably date him because he was funnier and better looking than the guy she was with. She miraculously agreed and they were married on November 24, 1972, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton.
Beginning the next chapter of his life with Laura by his side, he enjoyed many years with his family raising his children, working hard (he spent some years with the Jaycee’s and as a volunteer fireman for the City of Ionia), and enjoying the outdoors especially fishing and hunting. His work eventually led him to partner with Bruce Kellogg as they owned and operated the Hide-A-Way Lounge in Ionia for many years – the job he was born for.
Friendship and community were a cornerstone of Dennis’s life and that was showcased time again in what he enjoyed most – spending time with his family and friends whether it was playing cards, watching sports, hunting, fishing, or just sitting around the fire or table for good conversation and lots of laughter.
When he was unexpectedly widowed in 2012, Dennis began his final chapter in this life learning how to be on his own. He enjoyed being around his grandchildren and following along with their lives. When it became more difficult for him to be out of the house, he somehow convinced all kinds of amazing people to visit him often, play cards, have coffee, and when the time came – to literally pick him up off the floor when he needed it most. The gift of friendship was the one he cherished above all others.
Dennis battled with his health for a lot of years (something the Marlboro points didn’t warn him about when he was collecting all that sweet swag for years) and he decided it was time for his fight to be over on October 5, 2024, while under hospice care in his own home, in his own bed, with his children by his side – just as he had wished.
He is survived by three of his children, Jeremy (Christine) Stolz of Cedar Falls, Jessica (Matt) Brogan of Cedar Falls, and Jonathan (Amanda) Stolz of Washburn; his grandchildren Abigail Stolz, Evan Stolz, Benjamin Brogan, Madilyn Brogan, Zachary Brogan, Wesley Brogan and Connor Stolz; and his brother David (Chris) Stolz, brothers-in-law Roger Harrington, Rex Pavlovec, Ed Conway, Adrian Kuennen and Jeff Reihle (Sherry) and sister-in-law Linda Schaefer, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Laura; his son, Benjamin; his parents; his sisters Lonnie Milligan (and her husband Mike), Mary Harrington and Lora Jo Pavlovec; his sisters-in-law Ann Conway, Carol Griffith (and her husband Ron), Ellen Kuennen and brother-in-law Steve Schaefer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family which will be used to support the Stolz Family Scholarship Fund at the Northeast Iowa Community Foundation.
Services
Mass of Christian Burial: October 11, 2024 10:30 am - 11:30 am
St. Boniface Catholic Church
204 East Prairie Street
Ionia, IA 50645
641-394-5435
Visitation: October 11, 2024 9:30 am - 10:30 am
St. Boniface Catholic Church
204 East Prairie Street
Ionia, IA 50645
641-394-5435
My thoughts and prayers are with Dennis’s family. Our neighborhood has been the Stolz’s and the Lynch’s for many years. So many memories my family and I will always treasure🙏
Deepest sympathy to the Stolz family. I wish you peace.
On behalf of the NHHS Class of 1969, our heartfelt condolences to the family. Even though Dennis was unable to attend the last couple of reunions, we were happy he followed along and responded on our Facebook class page. Rest in Peace, Dennis.
Jeremy, Jess, Jon – and families,
Our sympathies are with all of you and your families. We recently were in the New Hampton area and stopped to see your Dad. He proudly spoke about each of you and the grandkids. We will keep your families in our prayers.
Bob and Cyndy
Sorry to hear about Dennis I always enjoyed talking to him. Prayers for Dennis and his family.
So sorry to hear about Dennis, long time neighbor–our thoughts and prayers are with you all-Mike and Deb Tenge
Deepest sympathy to the Stoltz family.
My sincere sympathy to the Stolz families:
Sending our thoughts and prayers for the Stolz family.
Sorry for your loss, Jessica and Jeremy, you have my deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time.
Lori Hanson
I’m sorry to hear of Red’s passing. I enjoyed the years we spent as members of the New Hampton Jaycee’s.
Mary & Val Gudmundson
Please accept our sympathies.
So sorry to hear about this. Prayers to his family. Red was one of a kind!
Sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to his entire family.
Sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to his entire family.
Sending sincere condolences to Dennis’s Family. Always a “lively” conversation with him! R.I.P. Red.
Our sympathy and prayers go out to all of the Stoltz family. Hold those memories in your heart and share them with each other to always remember your dad. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences goes out to Red’s children and their families. Cherish your happy memories of your parents who are together again. May they rest in peace knowing their earthly suffering is over!
We were sad to hear of the passing of Dennis. We always enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a real fun person to have around. Dennis always kept us laughing with his endless pranks and antics. Fishing, hunting, playing cards or gravel travel were the times we will remember fondly. Our blessings to the Stolz Family at this most difficult time. May he rest in peace. Cletus & Roger Ries
Sorry to hear about Dennis, he will be be missed. We’ve known the family a long time
Sending prayers to his family. Many memories from the bar and bowling. Jeanne and David Roder