Richard Elmo Stotler

Richard Elmo Stotler, fondly known as “Dick,” was born on April 18, 1942, in Washington, D.C. He was the only child of Clyde Elmo Stotler and Hilda Danhardt Stotler.

Dick completed his undergraduate studies at George Washington University and the Medical College of Virginia before passing the pharmacy board exam. He then joined the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, serving honorably on active duty for 28 years and retiring in 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Dick’s military service also brought him together with his beloved wife, Jeanne Karen Meyer, then a Second Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. They were married on November 30, 1968. Together, they served at DeWitt Army Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and at the 30th Field Hospital in Augsburg, Germany, where both of their children were born. After returning from Germany, Dick earned a Master of Pharmacy degree from the University of Michigan, specializing in nuclear pharmacy. He went on to support and strengthen the Army’s training program for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in that field. His assignments took him and his family to Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco, and Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver. He also contributed regularly to the development and writing of the national nuclear pharmacy certification examination. After retiring from military service, Dick continued his professional work in the private sector, supporting Denver-area hospitals and medical imaging centers for several years. After retirement, he also worked part time at Edward Jones as an On-Call Branch Office Administrator in his son’s office.

Dick enjoyed his retirement years in Denver and continued to find meaningful ways to serve others. For many years, he picked up donations each week and delivered food to local food banks. He was also active in his church, Our Father Lutheran Church, where he volunteered in many roles.

Dick and Jeanne also enjoyed traveling together. Their trips included cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal, visits to Europe, and time spent with family across the United States.

Dick’s later years brought challenges following an unexpected complication from spinal surgery. Even so, he greatly treasured visits from friends and family. He was deeply grateful for the care and connection offered by Our Father Lutheran Church, including livestreamed worship services and visits from pastors who brought him communion. Although his passing was unexpected, his family is thankful that he is now at peace.

Dick is survived by his wife, Jeanne, and their two children:

Kristine (John) Caldwell and their daughters, Kara (19) and Laney (16)

Jeffrey (Ellen) Stotler and their children, Ava (21) and Calvin (19)

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Our Father Lutheran Church (designated for “missions”)

LCMS World Relief and Human Care

or to a charity of your choice.