Douglas H. Stadelmann Obituary
Born to eternal life on Wednesday December 7th , 2022, at the age of 85 surrounded by his family. Loving father of Jeff & David (Christine), treasured grandfather of Nate (Haley), Nic (Alexandria), Emma, Clara (Broghan) Orgas, & Ben Stadelmann, and proud great-grandfather of Ella, Julian, & Kinsley. Survived by many relatives, including his dear sister Diane (Rodney) Hassett. Further survived by other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years Lynne, son Randy, and parents Henry and Alice Stadelmann.
Doug graduated from Washington High School in 1955 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering in 1959. Doug was steadfast in his faith and was a proud member of Kingsley Methodist Church. Here he would meet and unite in marriage with his wife Lynne on July 1st, 1961. Doug had also served in the United States Army where he was a First Lieutenant with a battalion that served under him.
On May 1st, 1968, Doug founded what would be many of his lifelong passions, Stadelmann Engineering, Inc. True to his spirit, he maintained his engineering firm for 54 years proudly working on over 5500 projects, including designing more than 200 churches throughout the United States. Two of Doug's greatest engineering accomplishments were designing The Polynesian Resort Hotel for the Disney family at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and the TRESTLE Project, the largest all-wood-and-glue laminated structure in the world, located at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Recognized throughout the country as a leader in his field, Doug, was also a past president and chairman for the American Institute of Timber Construction.
While maintaining a busy and active business, Doug always made time to give back within his community volunteering and serving on many different boards, most notably the board of directors for Marshall & Ilsley Bank, past president of the Rotary International Club including being a Paul Harris Fellow one of the highest achievable honors within Rotary Int'l, Secretary and Treasurer of Community Memorial Hospital located in Menomonee Falls, and board of directors member for 38 years for CMH Hospital campus of which he served as a chairman for the scholarship giving committee and chairman for the building & grounds committee. Doug was an active member at Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church for over 55 years of which he served on various councils, boards, and committees. He was also a regular volunteer touching the lives of many for the Tri-County Menomonee Falls YMCA of which he received the Citizen of the Year award. His generous spirit was commemorated by CMH hospital and his community by way of an engraved memorial, featuring a train, in honor of his 38 years of dedication. This dedication memorial can be viewed to this day in the CMH Healing Gardens.
Doug had a lifelong love and passion for trains which started when he was a young boy in his basement putting together model railroad train kits with engines and rail cars. Later in life his passion for trains resulted in this being his preferred method of travel for his many engineering projects across the country. He was an Amtrak regular, logging thousands of miles. He continued his model railroad hobby to the present day amassing a huge collection. He was known within the community as the "Train Man" taking great joy in sharing his collection with the public. For nearly 26 years he had a Christmas train display at M & I Bank in the Falls.
He took his love of trains and combined it with his love of music to form a popular local trio known as the Amtrak Boys. This group entertained hundreds of people throughout the Greater Milwaukee area with their Johnny Cash style of music. If Doug wasn't performing with the Amtrak Boys, you could easily catch him at a local pub, restaurant or even on stage at Summerfest with other musicians, including the Liam Ford Band. If you were unable to see one of his singing performances you could count on catching him in the Menomonee Falls Memorial Day and 4th of July parades riding his famous clown bike, often accompanied by one of his grandchildren.
When Doug wasn't singing, playing his guitar, or strumming his garbage can bass, you would often find him on the dance floor. He was a marvelous dancer, competing in fun local competitions over the years winning many awards. He shared his adventurous spirit, love of music and dancing with his friends, be it attending a dance competition at a VFW hall with his friend Dancing Donna, enjoying some bluegrass with his close friend Joy, or taking in the sounds of the season with his dearly loved friend Pat, you can rest assured Doug was always enjoying every moment.
Doug loved to travel with his family, mixing in work and fun. An exemplary role model for Jeff and David, together with his wife Lynne, the foursome traveled to Florida, New Mexico, Hawaii, and his most favorite, Las Vegas, which he visited 77 times. There were also countless trips in Northern Wisconsin to Boulder Junction and Door County of which Doug was often spotted taking a snooze while out on many of the beautiful lakes in his preferred red canoe.
Of all the things Doug was most passionate about in his life and that he loved most, it was indeed his family. When it came to his younger sister Diane, Doug had a tremendous affection and protective way with her. He was exceedingly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Taking an active interest in all their activities be it bowling, cars, photography, gymnastics, or trap shooting. He was the grandpa of all grandpas being present often at any one of his grandkid's activities. For those that were blessed to know Doug, knew of his gift for storytelling and natural way of making others smile with his endless supply of jokes. He blessed both his sons David and Jeff with these gifts, both of whom he loved unconditionally.
Doug left big shoes to fill and for those who had the privilege of loving and knowing him certainly understand his absence is profoundly felt. For his family, and in particular his sons, while their parents passed within 4 weeks of one another they take great peace and comfort knowing they are united once again in heaven with their younger brother Randy.
A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held on Wednesday December 21st at 12:00pm at Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends from 10:00am until time of service. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service from 1:00-3:00pm, with a private family burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to the Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church music program. The family would like to thank the medical team with the intensive care unit at the Grafton Aurora Medical Center for their compassionate care of Doug. And lastly, the family would like to thank their many relatives, friends and co-workers for the endless love and support during this very challenging time.
Visitation Wednesday, December 21, 2022 10:00 AM - Noon Emmanuel United Methodist Church, N84w16707 Menomonee Ave Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Phone: (262) 251-3830.
