John Erwin Stamler

John Stamler passed away peacefully on December 16,2013 at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio on January 7,1919. Known affectionally for his license plate,3Putt, John began his early years in an orphanage while his mother attended school. Never having had a father in his life, John became not only a loving dad to his two children, but provided loving kindness to so many others during his lifetime. John started delivering newspapers as a young child in Columbus to support himself and his mother. This work ethic continued until age 86, when he finally gave up his crossing guard sign. When John was 13, he was given a 7 iron that led to a passion that lasted a lifetime. His dream of being a golf pro was dashed by a three year stint in the U.S. Navy during WWII. John married Virginia Kennedy and had two children, Diane and Ralph. John went into business with his brother-in-law starting a limousine service at the Columbus, Ohio airport. Always joking about his decision in later years thinking there was no future in the airline industry, John moved his young family to Madison to work for Ralph "Dutch" Leonard whom he met caddying for in Columbus. John worked nine years in Dutch's company, Badger Sports. John then worked for the City of Middleton as an assistant city clerk until his retirement in 1983. After his retirement, John worked for another 20 years as crossing guard for Midvale School. John was a devoted worker, but it was his passion for golf that defined him. John worked for MSCR giving golf lessons for 40 years, served as a golf coach at Holy Name Seminary for 25 years, and even caddied at the Greater Milwaukee Open for many years. John often said that it isn't the years on ones' gravestone that matters, but more important was the dash. John's dash touched so many in so many ways. John's friendly sense of humor, kind heart and caring nature will be greatly missed. John was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia. He is survived by his daughter, Diane (Dave) Olsen, son, Ralph (Debbie) Stamler, grand children Jon (Ellen) Olsen, Jeff (Suzi) Olsen, Tim (Jen) Olsen, Jennifer (Jeff) Lindner, Megan Stamler (Jack Tillman), and great grandchildren Ryan, Abby, Megan, Anna and Lily Olsen, Abigail and Alden John Lindner, and special friend Donna Gruber.John's family wishes to express their loving gratitude to the caregivers at St. Mary's Care Center for helping make John's final years comfortable and happy. Please join John's family for a celebration of John's life on Saturday, January 11 at Vitense Golfland,5501 Schroeder Rd, Madison, WI 53711 from 2:00- 4:00. A short Memorial service will start at 2:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, John's family requests that donations be made to St.Mary's Care Center, Madison School Community Recreation, Madison Parks, or The John Stamler Golf Memorial Fund. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave 608-831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com