Richard Stahler, age 92, a resident of Naperville, Illinois, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, peacefully with his family by his side.  He was born February 15, 1933 in Pontiac, Illinois to parents, Hugh and Gladys (née Houder) Stahler.

His family later moved to Westchester, IL. He was active in competitive sports and student activities at Proviso High School, where he met Patricia, the love of his life. Following high school, Richard attended the University of Colorado, and then transferred to Purdue University, to attend along with Pat, continuing to be active in sports and ROTC. His college graduation weekend included his graduation ceremony at Purdue, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, his being commissioned as an officer into the Marine Corp, and his wedding to Pat. In the Marines, Richard excelled as a jet pilot and flying aircraft carrier flight operations. He had a lifelong interest in aircraft, flying and the Marines.

He and Pat's family grew to include 5 children, and settled into a home he built in Naperville. He worked as a computer systems analyst and developer, for a large newspaper company, later at hospitals across the country, and eventually he became self-employed.  He especially enjoyed vacations and time spent with his family and extended family, hiking and skiing in Wyoming and Colorado, as well as fishing and boating in Arkansas. He remained active all his life, continuing to hike, cross country ski, and travel.

Richard's faith was in Christ. He was devoted to and diligent in personal prayer for his family and friends, and in pursuing spiritual growth by reading and studying his Bible personally, and in the fellowship of his church family.

Richard was a loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his five children, Cindy (John) Duranceau Obenland of Naperville, Karen (Patrick) Doiel of Lake Summerset, Julie Stahler of Naperville, Greg (Liz) Stahler of Wheaton, and Doug Stahler of Vero Beach, Florida; fourteen grandchildren, David (Maria) Doiel, Tony Stahler, John M. (Christy) Obenland, Sarah (Chad) Baxter, Stephanie (AJ) Vogel, Andrew Duranceau, Victoria (Matt) Arnold, Shannon Doiel, Peyton Stahler, Lexi Stahler, Madison Stahler, Ethan Stahler, Sydney Stahler, and Nolan Stahler; and eight great-grandchildren, Eli, Owen, Liam, and Lucy Vogel, Noelle and Ezekiel Obenland, Kamila Pierre, and Vivienne Arnold; and sister, Joan (the late George) Blake; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia, brother Robert Stahler, and son-in-law Steven Duranceau.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at College Church. Friends may visit with the family prior to the service from 9:00a.m. until 11:00a.m.. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

A livestream of the service will be available through this link: Funeral Service for Richard Stahler .

Memorial gifts may be directed to STARS Family Services, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, Illinois, 60187.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.