Raymond Edward Stahla

Raymond Edward Stahla was born December 15, 1929, in Kimball, Nebraska, to Philip and Christina Stahla. He grew up on the family farm, helping raise potatoes and vegetables and learning the value of hard work.

Ray and Dianne were united in marriage on March 19, 1957, and shared 69 years together. In 1962, they moved to Grand Island, Nebraska. In 1967, they started a mobile home business, later expanding to locations in Lincoln, Kearney, and Gillette, Wyoming. They eventually moved to Northern Colorado and continued in business until retiring in 2023.

Ray had a deep love for music. A talented accordion player who learned by ear, he performed on The Lawrence Welk Show with Myron Floren. He also played in a polka band with his sons, Phil and Randy, and performed at the Bicentennial celebration in Washington, D.C.

In 1959, Ray took his first flying lesson and developed a lifelong passion for aviation. He owned 11 airplanes and earned his instrument rating.

Ray and Dianne loved to dance and attended Dutch Hop gatherings in the Denver and Northern Colorado area. They were a joy to watch on the dance floor. They also enjoyed traveling the country together in their motorhome.

Ray is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children: Phil and Jean Stahla (Gillette, WY); Randy and Sue Stahla (Greeley, CO); Sue Hunter and L.D. (Commerce City, CO); Patty and Reg Meier (Fort Collins, CO); Ray Jr. and Julie Stahla (Norfolk, NE); Jane and Garrett Lanckriet (Eaton, CO); and Tim and Rebecca Stahla (Leander, TX); along with 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his hard work, his love of music and flying, and his devotion to his family.

Visitation Friday May 8, 2026, 9:00am with funeral service, 10:00am at Mt Olive Lutheran Church in Loveland, CO. Burial 3:00pm at Kimball Cemetery in Kimball, NE.