Edward Oliver Stapela's Obituary
Edward Oliver Stapela was born on January 3, 1923 in Waterloo, Iowa, the only son of Myrtle (Sch??tte) and Bernd Tamme Stapela.He was confirmed in the Christian faith on March 21, 1934 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo, and graduated from West Waterloo High School in May of 1941.Edward served in the U.S. Army from January 23, 1943 – April 1, 1946, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion in Waterloo, Iowa.On May 21, 1950 he married Wanda Mae Telford at Grace Methodist Church in Waterloo, Iowa and they had two daughters, Karen, stillborn on July 13, 1951, and Sandra Kim Stapela of Hamburg, Germany.Edward worked in a variety of jobs, owning his own coal company and a beverage distribution company in Waterloo. He held various sales positions at both Investor Diversified Services and Sears in Waterloo. He was an accomplished self-taught furniture refinisher for decades, working independently in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa, and later in Fort Myers, Florida. In his later years he was also employed by Burdines, Ft. Myers Florist, Ft. Myers Community Hospital, Myerlee Circle and Indian Creek Pet Hospital. He and Wanda also successfully operated the Double Take Thrift Shop at Ft. Myers Community Hospital.Edward Stapela was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa, Redeeemer Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church in Ft. Myers, Florida.He is survived by his wife of 65 1/2 years, Wanda, one daughter and son-in-law, three grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and two nephews and their families, He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant daughter.Immediate funeral services are private. Arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907, (239) 936-0555Those who wish to share a story, leave a tribute or offer condolences to the family should visit Edward’s memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign the guestbook.“Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.”
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