John Herbert Stiehl

John Herbert Stiehl, age 77, of Alma, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at his home with his loving wife, Holly at his side. He was born on March 21, 1943 in Winona, MN the son of George and Evelyn (Guenther) Stiehl. John attended and graduated from Alma High School with the class of 1961. Following graduation, John honorably served his Country as a member of the United States Navy. During his service to our Country, John and his fellow comrades were part of the Cuban Missile Blockade. John served from 1961 until his honorable discharge in June of 1965. On September 3, 1966 John, a former prom king, was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart and his prom queen, Holly Averbeck. To this loving marriage, three boys were born. John worked at Tri-State Construction of Nelson for 5 years before he began a career that spanned 25 years at Dairyland Power, retiring in 1995. Following his retirement from Dairyland Power, John worked another 12 years for Lunda Construction. John was a longtime, dedicated and proud member of the Alma American Legion, Post 224. He was also member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Alma. John loved to fish and hunt, especially turkey hunting. But no fishing or hunting expedition would be complete if it did not include his sons. Right up to the end, John was with his sons on that one last turkey hunt. It was successful hunt, not because of the turkeys bagged but because of the memories that will always remain. John was so proud of his grandchildren and would support them in any way possible. They were quite honestly his pride and joy. If there was a sporting event, a school activity that involved his grandchildren, chances are, you would find him there. He was the true definition of a husband, dad, grandpa and friend. John will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Holly; sons, Stacy (Dawn) Stiehl, Michael Stiehl and Christopher (Jill) Stiehl; loving grandchildren, Richie and Shawn; Iris and Lily; Riley and Keegan; sisters, Susan (Jerry) Krofta, Joan Esser and Jeannette (Dan) Klassen; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and a lady that was like a daughter, Ashley (Brad) Brouillard and their children, Bella, Vivienne and Adelaide. Besides his parents, George and Evelyn, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and David; niece, Pam Fink; brother in law, Chuck Esser and several aunts and uncles . A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Alma. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, July 24 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel and again on Saturday at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of the Mass. Full military honors will be held by John's fellow comrades from the Alma American Legion, Post 224 immediately following the Mass. The family requests that Memorials in John’s name be directed to the American Legion, Post 224.