Hadleigh (Had) William Stoltz, 82, a long time resident of Sheridan (Laurin), Montana, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2011 at Big Sky Care Center, in Helena, Montana, due to a long-term battle with congestive heart failure.
Hadleigh was born April 30, 1928 at the Silver Spring Ranch in Sheridan, Montana, to William J. Stoltz and Anne K. Simonsen. The family moved to West Yellowstone when he was a baby and all his life memories were based on this very happy time in his life. From Yellowstone the Stoltz’s moved to California in 1942 where he met his life time friend, Robert Rockwell.
Hadleigh was drafted into the United States Army in 1950 to 1952 and served honorably in the Korean War. He was married to Darlene Stoltz (of Missoula) in 1958 until 1981. He worked at Hughes Aircraft as an engineer for 17 years. While at Hughes, he was a supervisor of the Support and Services Section in his engineering department. In 1971 he relocated his family to West Yellowstone to start his own contracting business and in 1974 continued his skill in woodworking at Sheridan, Montana. He spent his retirement years learning how to program computers and tending to his beautiful flower beds.
He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Stoltz, grandsons Jeffrey and Andrew Stoltz, and granddaughter MacKenzie Potter all residing in Helena, Montana.
Hadleigh loved and lived life to the fullest. He dedicated many hours to learning electronics, drafting, math and making his home his paradise. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Viewing hours will be at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, 315 East Sixth Ave, Helena, MT from 1 PM until 6 PM Sunday, March 20. Family will be present to share their life memories at the viewing from 5 PM – 6PM.
Military graveside honors will be held at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Tuesday, March 22 at 10 AM. Church Services will also be held on the same day at the Bethel Methodist Church, 312 S. Main Street, Sheridan, Montana at 2:30 PM. Burial will follow at the Laurin Cemetery. Reception will be held at the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church following graveside services. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Hadleigh, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Camille Jacobson says
So sorry to read of Hadleigh’s passing. He and I would give each other a bad time when he came in shopping at the grocery store in Sheridan, all in fun.He always had me laughing. My thoughts are with his family.
Carol L. Smith says
Brenda and family,
With deepest sympathy – my consolences to you and your family.
Janet Krenelka says
I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Hadleigh when I worked at the grocery store in Sheridan. We had such a good time when he came to store because he was so funny. He was a nice high point to our day. I will miss him.