John R. Stahl

John Richard Stahl, 85, of Iola, Kansas passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026 at his home in Iola, Kansas. 

He was born March 9, 1941 in Westphalia, Kansas the son of Frank and Kathryn (Lalman) Stahl.  He grew up and graduated from the Westphalia High School with the Class of 1959. 

John began his grocery store career with Lee’s Grocery Store in Garnett, KS.  He eventually purchased the Grocery Store and it became S&W Thriftway. The Grocery Store eventually relocated to the newer A&P Grocery Store in Garnett, KS. John later worked at the Grocery Store in Lyndon and Osage City, Kansas and before his retirement he worked at Orscheln Farm & Home in Ottawa, Kansas.

On September 5, 1980, John was united in marriage to Donna Joann Merschman.  They shared over forty-two years of marriage before Donna’s passing on June 5, 2023. 

John was a faithful member of the Pomona, Kansas Assembly of God Church for many years. John enjoyed hunting and fishing; going on vacations with Donna; and playing golf.  He will be remembered for being an unbelievable boss, giving high school kids a job and being an honest and trustworthy Father.  

Mr. Stahl was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Kathryn Stahl; a son, Russell Stahl; wife, Donna Stahl; and three brothers, Bill, Eddie, and Bobby Stahl. 

Surviving family includes a son, Richard Stahl and wife, Jill of Iola, KS; three sisters, Donna, Doris and Patty Stahl all of Topeka, KS; three brothers, Jim and David Stahl of Topeka, KS, and Steve Stahl of Burlington, KS; a grandson, Ethan Stahl of Garnett, KS; and a great-grandson, Kyion Stahl of Garnett, KS. 

Cremation is planned.  No services are scheduled at this time.  Memorial contributions may be made to the John Stahl Memorial Fund and may be sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.  

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