HARRINGTON – Walter L. Stadler, 68, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, while in Minnesota. He and Michael Stover, also of Harrington, were in route to Yakama, Wash., before continuing on to Tucson, Ariz., to re-establish residence. He was born July 29, 1943, in Bremerton, Wash., son of the late Joseph V. And Maxine S. (Parr) Stadler.
Walter was married to the late Beth A. (Hartford) Stadler, while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. They traveled extensively to different bases where he was stationed. Among them were Dow Air Force Base, Bangor; Spokane, Wash.; Fargo, N.D.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Hahn Air Force Base in Germany. Upon returning from Germany, he retired at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. Walter also worked for the state of Maine as a prison guard at Down East Correctional Facility, Bucks Harbor, until he retired after 16 years of service. He was a member of Tuscan Lodge No. 106 AF & AM of the Masons, Addison; and was a founding member of Maine Blade Runners Bass-fishing Club.
Walt is survived by a daughter, Leanne (Stadler) and her husband, Juan “Luis” Ortega; two granddaughters, Cassie and Brittany Chase; and two great-grandchildren, Sierra Hernandez and Joseph Stadler, all of Harrington. He is also survived by his mother, Maxine S. (Parr) Stadler; sister, Barbra; brother, Larry and his wife, Penny; and nephews, Rusty, Rory, Rodney, Pat and a special nephew, Randy, and their families, all of Washington state; sister-in-law, Huddy and her husband, Charlie Peterson, of Harrington, and their children, Roger, Chucky, Michael and Timmy, and their families; and two special friends, Michael Stover and Laurie Merchant of Harrington. He was predeceased by his wife, Beth; father, Joseph; nephew, Scott; and Crawford and Pauline Hartford.
There will be a celebration of life 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, Harrington. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.