STOFFREGEN, Jim "Stuffy" 1950-2018

STIFFREGEN, STIERMAN, HOLCOMB, LEH, KUHL

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 3/12/2018 at 12:36:20

Obituary for Jim "Stuffy" Stoffregen

Jim “Stuffy” Stoffregen 67, of Harpers Ferry, and formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, went to be with our Lord Monday, February 19, at Crossing Rivers Health Care in Prairie Du Chien, Wis.

He was born March 9, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of William and Mary Stierman Stoffregen.

Jim attended Waterloo West High School, graduating in 1969. He married Pam Holcomb in 1970. They were later divorced. He married Beth Lehmkuhl May 17, 1980 in Waterloo.

Jim loved his Country and believed in service to his Country. He served it well and with pride. He was a veteran of The United States Navy and served in Vietnam as an Aviational Structural Mechanic from 1969-1973, attaining the rank of E5. He was a recipient the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation with 1 Star, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He also served as a Sergeant in the Army Air National Guard, Troup D-{AIR} 1/194TH Cavalry based out of Waterloo as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was a member of American Legion Post 0722 in Harpers Ferry, IA.

Jim was employed by John Deere and worked in various departments throughout his employment, most recently in Marketing, until he retired in 2007. After retirement he continued to work for Deere on contract, conducting presentations on features and benefits of John Deere Tractors until the beginning of his illness in the Spring of 2015. Of all the jobs he held at John Deere, this was his favorite. It filled him with pride to promote the Company that provided his family with such a wonderful life. He bled “John Deere Green”.

Jim was a top-notch craftsman when it came to his woodworking. Learning his craft at a very young age from his Grandpa, his love of building things grew through the years and served him well. Jim spent hours in his shop. He seldom made and sold anything but rather loved to make things for friends and family, giving it to them as a gift from his heart.

Most of all, Jim loved his family from the depths of his heart and was a true friend to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by all but remembered for his huge heart wonderful smile and contagious laugh.

Survived by: his wife, Beth of Harpers Ferry; three sons, Chris Stoffregen of Marietta, Ga., Nathan (Rena) Stoffregen of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ben (Amber) Stoffregen of Midland, Mich.; six grandchildren, Jake Stoffregen, Mackenzie Stoffregen, Ryan Stoffregen, Riley Stoffregen, Isaac Stoffregen, and Liam Stoffregen; Sister Kathy (John) Lange and Brother Tom (Kay) Stoffregen both of Waterloo.

Preceded in death by: his parents.

Services: A Celebration of Life will be 4-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway.

Memorials may be directed to the family or the American Cancer Society.

SOURCE: Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service website