Francis E. Stadler

Francis Edward Stadler, 80, of Topeka, passed away November 24, 2010 at his home.

He was born December 8, 1929 in Topeka the son of Joseph J. and Marie Angela (Leinacker) Stadler.  Francis served in the Naval Reserves for three years.

Francis was a coach carman for the AT & SF Railroad for forty years before he retired.

He enjoyed cooking, fishing and building things including trains.

Francis was a charter member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, life member of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia and a member of Capitol Post #1 of the American Legion.

He was married to Ollie Mae Woodard on July 2, 1951 in Topeka.  She survives.  A daughter Elizabeth preceded him in death on January 27, 1981.  A grea grand daughter Katelyn Hulse also preceded him in death.

Survivors beside his wife include, one son Tom Stadler of Lee’s Summit, MO, three daughters, Christine Beachamp (Roger) of Lansing, Martha Stadler of Carbondale, Margaret Holt (Jon) of Overbrook, two sisters, Virginia Latshaw of Topeka and Rita Harvan of Long Island, NY and three brothers, James Stadler of Topeka, Jerry Stadler (Janice) of Lecompton, Louis Stadler of Topeka and sister-in-law Norma Stadler of Topeka.  Six grandchildren, Dawn, Misty, Dustin, Joshua, Rebekah and Paul; four great grandchildren, Bailey, Emily, Corina and David also survive.

Mr. Stadler will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church where a Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Cremation will follow the funeral mass.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church and sent in care of the funeral home, 800 SW 6th Ave., 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.