Edwin J. “Ed” Stoltz

Edwin J. “Ed” Stoltz, age 82, of Eldridge, IA, formerly of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on March 30, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Home in Davenport, IA, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Ed’s life, a memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 500 West LeClaire Road, Eldridge, IA, with Pastor Carrie L. Lewis La Plante officiating.  Family and friends of Ed’s are invited to join in fellowship from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  Full military honors will be accorded by the VFW following the service at the church. Family and friends are also invited to join in food and fellowship following the services at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ed’s family.

Ed was born on September 10, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Edward and Alfrieda (Kass) Stoltz.  He was blessed with a kind and gentle soul and spent his years generously sharing it wherever he could in the world around him.  At the age of 18, Ed joined the U.S. Navy and went on to honorably serve his country from 1960-1963.  Upon his return stateside, Ed was eventually united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathy Boelk, on February 15, 1964.  The couple was blessed with 61 years together and two children of their own to love and nurture along the way.  Ed invested his working career with the John Deere Dubuque Works primarily and made countless friends along the way.  He always took great pride in his work and moved into retirement effortlessly as he understood that he had performed his tasks to the best of his abilities and it was now time to rest from his labors.

In his free-time, Ed discovered many joys which brought real satisfaction in his life.  You could regularly catch him keeping in shape at the YMCA, but it was also just as common to find him tending to their flower gardens at home. Ed had the distinct pleasure of running in four marathons, two ultra marathons, and multiple half marathons over the years.  His devotion was undeniable and he faithfully put in all the work necessary to complete the goals at hand.  When the responsibilities of the day were done, Ed was quite content to grab his most recent book and get comfortable in his recliner.  He was always up for a good movie or a little tv time as well with his beautiful bride by his side.  Ed also appreciated a little music in the background whenever possible.  The minor moments which we tend to take for granted were the moments where Ed found peace and ultimate joy in his daily life.  Those who knew Ed best were always quite aware that his greatest joy was to be found when his grandkids were nearby.  It’s difficult to imagine a world without our patriarch leading the way, not only by example, but in words, thoughts, and actions as well.  The legacy which he leaves behind will thankfully be evident in the generations he leaves behind now.  Thank you, Ed, for living the righteous life of a good and decent man throughout your 82 years among us.  May the Lord grant you everlasting love and mercy now as we wait patiently to see your wonderful smile once again.  Well done good and faithful Servant!

Those left to cherish the memory of Ed include,

his loving wife,

Kathleen “Kathy” Stoltz, Eldridge, IA;

his two sons,

John (Kim) Stoltz, Bettendorf, IA,

and Joe (Christy) Stoltz, West Des Moines, IA;

his four adored grandchildren,

Ashtyn (Shane) Seeman, Riley Stoltz, Lauren Stoltz, and Owen Stoltz;

his siblings,

Rita Winch, Fort Dodge, IA,

Janet Veach, Dubuque, IA,

Mary (Gary) Guild, Sun Prairie, WI,

and Gail Ehlers, Waterloo, IA;

his sister-in-law,

Thelma Stoltz, Topeka, KS;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Dawn in infancy; his sister, Alvina Brock; his brother, Joseph Stoltz; and his brother-in-law, Gary Winch.

In lieu of flowers, an Edwin J. Stoltz memorial fund has been established which will be donated among his favorite charities.  Please feel free to use the links below and thank you for your love, kindness, and support in advance. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16821&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS25001AAABREAA&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI37THj663jAMVZM7CBB2VEi0REAAYASAAEgIjg_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.paypal.com/donate?business=lola%40qcvetsoutreach.com&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donation%C2%A4cy_code=USD

Ed’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Good Samaritan Society and Heartland Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Ed’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com