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Hillard C. Stapel Obituary – 10/16/09


Funeral services celebrating the life of Hillard Carl Stapel, age 87, of Lester Prairie, took place Friday, Oct. 16 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. Hillard died Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care.

He was born Nov. 5, 1921, in Lester Prairie, the son of John and Laura Stapel. Hillard was baptized and confirmed at the St. Peter Lutheran Church of Lester Prairie.

He graduated from the Lester Prairie High School, and attended Concordia University and the University of Minnesota.

Hillard was united in marriage with Eldora Uecker Oct. 19, 1944, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Middleville. This union was blessed with three children: Lana, Alan, and Nancy. The couple made their home on the Stapel family farm, north of Lester Prairie.

Hillard was a member of the American Legion Post 463 for 63 years, where he had served as commander. He was a past 4-H leader, and a past member of the Lester Prairie School Board.

A faithful member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hillard had served as an usher and council member.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, reading current events, and anything that dealt with farming. He especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Hillard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Laura Stapel; brother Karl; and sisters Esther, Carol, and Emaline.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eldora Stapel of Lester Prairie; children Lana Feldermann (husband Marvin) of St. Cloud, Alan Stapel (wife Connie) of Lester Prairie, and Nancy Unglaub (husband Doug) of St. Cloud; grandchildren Josiah Feldermann, Heather Feldermann, John Stapel (wife Julie), Laura Stapel, Brian Unglaub (wife Heidi), and Brad Unglaub; great-grandchildren Alexis and Cody Stapel, and Audra Unglaub; brother John Stapel of California; sister Arlene Thomas of Minneapolis; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Officiating at the 11 a.m. funeral service was the Rev. Eric Nelson. The organist was Jane Holasek. The congregational hymns were “Abide With Me,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Nearer My God To Thee.” Interment was in the church cemetery, with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 463.

Visitation took place Thursday evening, Oct. 15 at the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie

Serving as casket bearers were Hillard’s grandchildren: Josiah Feldermann, Heather Feldermann, John Stapel, Laura Stapel, Brian Unglaub, and Brad Unglaub.

For online guestbook, visit www.mcbridefuneralchapels.com

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