Gerald Wayne Stoppel, 77, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, June 29, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.
Gerald was born on April 14, 1943, in Bunker Hill, Kansas, the son of Edward and Emelia (Heinze) Stoppel. He grew up on the family farm in Bunker Hill, Kansas in Russell County. He graduated from Dorrance High School and attended Ft. Hays State University. He worked on the production line with King of the Road in Russell and for many years worked as a custodian for USD 407. He was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell and enjoyed working with the Russell Food bank. He enjoyed walking his dog Sammy, Kansas University Basketball, listening to country music and insisted on picking up the check for dinner. He also loved small children and dogs and they loved him.
Surviving family include his sister La Dora M. Meier of Wichita, Kansas; brother in-law Glenn Meier of Wichita, Kansas; sister in-law Janice E. Stoppel of Russell, Kansas; 8 nephews; 1 niece and his beloved dog Sammy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Junior D. Stoppel and Bennie D. Stoppel.
A graveside service to celebrate Gerald’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, July 03, 2020, at the Dorrance City Cemetery with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating with burial following. Viewing and visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, July 02, 2020, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening. Memorials may be given to the Russell Food Bank and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.