John Stutz

John Lea Stutz age 75 of Westbrook passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Carolee, at his side Saturday, March 12, 2011.  The family will be receiving friends at Westbrook Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 15 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. 

A celebration of his life and services for John will be held Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook at 10:00 a.m. for receiving and 11:00 a.m. for services. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

John was born March 10, 1936 in Currie, MN in his grandmother’s (Dora Brace Silvernale) home to Henry and Dora (Silvernale) Stutz.  He was the first of three children and only son born to the couple.  John graduated from Westbrook High School in 1954 where he played football, played the tuba in the band, and where he first met and fell in love with his sweetheart, Carolee.  The couple married on February 13, 1955, and later in their lives welcomed the arrival of two beautiful girls, Jodi Lee and Rona Lee.  After owning and operating a local restaurant, The Café in Westbrook, the couple moved the family to Rock island, Illinois, where John established his career as Superintendent of William, White & Co. in Moline, Illinois.  John retired from there in 1999 after 35 years.  John and Carol returned to Westbrook in 2000, where John became very active in the community, including being a member of the Kiwanis Club and was Committee Chair in 2003 of the Westbrook Fun Days.  John enjoyed the winter days in Westbrook playing cards with his friends. 

John and Carol have traveled extensively around the world, and found a piece of heaven on Lobster Lake in Alexandria, MN.  There, John established a second home, but much more importantly, a second family at Wildridge Camp Resort.  Memories of John’s friendship and leadership will keep John alive in the hearts of his friends and colleagues at the resort.  John was a member of the Board at Wildridge Resort Association.  Most recently, John and his family enjoyed seeing his boat make a final “fly-by”, a courtesy of a great friend, as it was leaving the lake for the last time to be sold.

The welcoming of his children, his first and only grandson, Christopher, and his only great-grandchild, Arika, were the times in his life in which John was most proud.  He has unconditional love and support for his family, and the moments that mattered most to him were when he was watching the three generations of children grow and learn.

John has enjoyed and taught his children and grandson how to golf, hunt, ski and camp, and enjoyed many family adventures over the years doing these activities.  His deep love of fishing and the outdoors has been passed to his grandson and great-granddaughter, which in turn, will continue to be passed down through the generations.  Stories of John and his fishing adventures are many, and will be shared around campfires for years to come.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Carolee; their daughter Rona Stutz of Currie; grandson Christopher (Terri) of Andalusia, IL; great-granddaughter Arika Jo also of Andalusia; sister Carolyn (Frank) Bisel of Alexandria; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless amounts of friends, as you were only a stranger to John once.  He is preceded in death by his daughter Jodi Lee, sister Rhonda and his parents.