Leon R. Stadler, 88, of Minden, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at CHI Health – Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Minden Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Tom Barnes officiating. The service will be streamed to the church’s YouTube page. Private family inurnment will be held prior to the service at the Minden Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials in Leon’s honor are kindly suggested to Bethany Home in Minden or to Minden Evangelical Free Church. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Leon Rodine Stadler was born on March 18, 1938, in Minden to Neleigh and Alveda (Rodine) Stadler. He grew up in the Minden area and attended school at Minden High School, graduating with the class of 1956.

He was united in marriage to Val Jean E. Quadhamer on April 20, 1958, in Minden and to this union, two children were born: Sam and Steve. The family made their home near Keene and later moved to Minden in 1989.

Leon began farming as a young boy with his dad and brother, Merlyn, and later farmed alongside his sons and grandchildren. He was a dedicated role model to many people, especially his family.

He was a member of Keene Evangelical Free Church and later Minden Evangelical Free Church. Leon served on the board of directors for many organizations including Keene and Minden Evangelical Free Churches, Christian Homes in Holdrege and Bethany Home in Minden, Minden Rural Fire Board, and Farm Credit Services of America. He had a strong faith foundation, and instilling this in his family was very important to him. Leon enjoyed attending his men’s bible study group at church along with various other church-related bible study groups. He also served as an adult Sunday School teacher for many years.

He loved collecting antique weathervanes, windmill weights, and clocks. He was well known for being able to repair and restore weathervanes, which were sent to him from across the country to receive his special care. He also restored a 1913 Model T Ford and enjoyed displaying it for others to enjoy. More than anything else, Leon loved spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Val Jean of Minden; sons, Sam (Tammy) Stadler of Minden, and Steve (Jacque) Stadler of Minden; grandchildren, Jordan (Sarah) Stadler, Riley (Lauren) Stadler, Neale (Garrett) Goldsberry, Sydney (Chase) Bolin, and Cody (Nikki) Stadler; step-grandchildren, Landon (Taylor) Troyer and Lacey (Andrew) Dalton; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Dawson Stadler, Brixten, Sutton, Huxson and Reesyln Stadler, Chet and Waylon Goldsberry, and Atlas Stadler; step-great-grandchildren, Bradleigh and Ledger Troyer, Logan and Collins Dalton; brother-in-law, Gib (Judy) Quadhamer; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Bjorklund and June Quadhamer; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Merlyn (Caroline) Stadler, an infant sister, and brothers-in-law, Dale Quadhamer and Warren Bjorklund.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.