Russell W. Stoffer

Russell W. Stoffer, age 75, of Litchfield died on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 30, 2012 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the church and will continue one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Lake Ripley Cemetery with Military Honors by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard. Russell William Stoffer, the son of William and Floma (Beerman) Stoffer, was born on July 10, 1936, in Worthington. He grew up in Worthington and received his education there; graduating from Worthington High School in 1956. Russell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 until 1962. On October 7, 1961, he was united in marriage to Marlys Michelson in Worthington. They lived, for a short time, in Michigan while Russell was still in the military. After his service they returned to Worthington to live. Russell saw an ad for a mechanic position for Fenton Motors in the paper and applied. He started working for Fenton's and he moved with his family to Litchfield in 1963. He worked at Fenton's for 37 years before retiring. He then worked for Napa for about 4 years running parts and then started working for the City of Litchfield as seasonal help, mowing parks and fields. Russell was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Litchfield Fire Department, and the 40 & 8 Club. He was also a member of the Litchfield American Legion Post #104, where he was a past commander for two years. He enjoyed the out doors and belonged to many groups supporting wildlife. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He was a very handy and detailed person who built his own fish house and campers. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Marlys of Litchfield, children, David Stoffer of Hancock, Steven (and Debora) Stoffer of Monticello, Larry Stoffer of Litchfield, Rhonda (and Jim) DiOrio of Hanover, Michael (and Tammy) Stoffer of Litchfield, grandchildren, Jeff, Barb, Sara, Ashley, Alysia, Amber, Derrick, Hailey, Cole, Jayda, Marissa, Brandon, Gina, Morgan, and Abby. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Chantel, Daniel, Isabel, Samuel, Gabreyel, Micheal, Madelynn and Jacob, brother Kevin (and Mary) Piscator of Powell Wyoming and sister Leona Poppen (and friend Lennie Mallard) of St. Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, LeRoy.Previous Events Visitation Sunday, April 29, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Monday, April 30, 2012 10:30 AM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355