Richard Stelzmiller

Richard J. “Dick” Stelzmiller, age 78, passed away on February 15, 2019. He was born February 27, 1940 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Leo J. and Helen (Clayton) Stelzmiller. He also lived in Sioux Falls and Box Elder, South Dakota. In 1944 the family moved to Seattle, WA. In 1945 they moved to Lewiston, Idaho where he went through his education grades 1 through 12. He was very actice in school playing varsity football/baseball and was elected Class President in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades. If you knew or got to know him well he was outgoing, had a sense of humor that spanned from Lenny Bruce/Don Rickles and down to Bob Newhardt. No one ever asked him to stand and say a few words. Dick has never said a few words. He started working in 1963 in the Finance field in Seattle, then moved to Aero Space at Boeing Renton, in 1965. He was fortunate, while starting at the bottom of the totem, within two years, he was promoted into management. In 1971-72 the Aero Space programs struggled and he opted to take a voluntary buy out and moved back to Lewiston. There he went to work for Garrett Freight Lines, and was transferred to Yakima in 1974. In 1978 he went to work in the Land Title Field until 1987. At this point he took a six month working vacation until December 1987 at which time he was hired by Yakima Federal Savings and Loan. He was in charge of keeping everyone supplied with all the necessary tools and supplies they needed to operate on a daily basis. He often said that Yakima Federal is the best place to work bar none. Friendly, caring and a small town approach to meeting the community’s needs. Dick really didn’t have much of an outside social life. He liked rainy days and Mondays! He is survived by his wife Marjorie; daughter Shelly; grandson William (Tiana) and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by three stepchildren. He spent a total of 54.4 years working full time. I agree with one thing Woody Allen. Someone asked him if he feared death? No he said, I just don’t want to be there when it happens! Thanks for all the cares and concerns! I made it a point of telling so many around the country via e-mail about my cancer, people who I’ve known for 6-7 decades. But irrespective, thank you all, you are and were special to me, every one of you. Dick was predeceased by his parents and his brother Leo Jr. Thanks for the Memories, Happy Trails and Goodnight Mrs. Magillacuty, wherever you are. At his request there will be no services. His cremated remains will be scattered in Lewiston, Idaho. Online condolences can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Stelzmiller, please visit our flower store.