Stuart Allen Daehling was born June 14, 1943, in Staplehurst, to Lester and Ella (Swanson) Daehling and entered his heavenly home July 20, 2026, at the age of 83 years, 1 month and 6 days.
Stu grew up near Staplehurst, where he attended school and graduated from Utica High School with the Class of 1961. After graduating, he followed his God given talents of sales. On Feb. 17, 1964, he was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” Niemann at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church near Staplehurst. Together, they were blessed with two children, Shelli and Brent.
Throughout his life, Stu worked for Hans Home Furnishings, Lester Motors and numerous seed sale companies (Wilson-Renze-Prairie Brand.) He also owned and operated Stu's Agri Steel, farmed, assisted at Underwood Auction, Meyer Automotive, and sold fence panels. Stu took great pride in staying busy and had a strong work ethic. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and could be counted on whenever someone needed assistance.
Horses were one of Stu's greatest passions, and he devoted much of his free time to buying, selling, showing, riding, and training them. Stu didn’t know a stranger – if he stopped to talk to you, he would remember you for life!
Stu was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Men’s Community Club and the Staplehurst Volunteer Fire Department.
He was preceded in death by parents; parents-in-law, Melvin “Mac” and Viola “Vi” Niemann; infant son, David; and brother and sister-in-law, Gayle and Ardith Daehling.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Pat Daehling, Staplehurst; children, Shelli (Walt) Traudt, Clay Center, and Brent (Leah) Daehling, Utica; grandchildren, Derek (Jenna) Rossen, and Jake (Lyndsey) Rossen; great-grandchildren, Rilyn, Lakin, Remi and Lily; brothers, Terry (Sandy) Daehling, and Randall (Patti) Daehling; and brother-in-law, Bruce (Karen) South Bend, Indiana.
Closed casket visitation will be Sunday July 26, from 1 – 6 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 4 – 6 p.m. The funeral service will be Monday, July 27, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, rural Staplehurst at 2 p.m. with interment at the church cemetery. The family kindly requests that those attending wear western attire, if you have it, in honor of Stu.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
