Obituary for Todd Stadtler

He was born on June 24, 1967 to Nick and Donna (Fitzpatrick) Stadtler. After Todd graduated from Caledonia High School in 1985, he went on to study accounting at Winona State University. He started his lifelong career at Badger Foundry Co. in 1987, eventually working his way up to company Treasurer. While attending Winona State University, he met the love of his life, Diane Kruckow. They married on June 13, 1992, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Caledonia. They shared 31 years of marriage together, and raised three children: Amanda, Emily, and Brandon. His wife and children were his sole purpose in life; he loved them dearly and always put them first.

During Todd’s earlier years, he spent his weekends and nights on the softball field, with his family in tow, playing in area tournaments and always ready to join the next game. He met some of his life-long friends while playing ball. One of his fondest softball memories was a trip to St. Louis; ask any of his teammates and they’ll share some fun stories.

As his kids grew up, he traded his Jake’s softball coat for a coach’s hat. Whether at the court or the field, he was always on the sidelines encouraging not only his kids but all the other young athletes he mentored. He never missed a game, providing unwavering support and love as their biggest fan. Even as his son continued to play baseball, he followed him across many states, with the most pride and the biggest smile in the stands. You could always hear the words, “Let’s go Bud!”

Todd loved the outdoors and looked forward to each approaching deer season. Whether it was preparing blinds, building stands, pushing, or tracking deer, he loved the tranquility of hunting, and treasured sharing his passion for the sport with his children and many close Caledonia friends. For more than 20 years, Todd enjoyed summer vacations in northern Wisconsin. The weeks were spent boating on the lake, teaching the kids how to ski, golfing, playing cribbage and euchre games, and an annual competitive bag toss tournament with all the kids. He truly loved the crackle of a fire and was the first to strike a match and the last to leave as the fire burned down to embers. Todd's love of the water is evident in the many photos of him boating on the Mississippi, enjoying Wisconsin lakes and far away oceans, and vacationing at his favorite getaway: Maui, Hawaii.

When Todd had time to relax you could find him playing with his beloved four-legged furry grandbabies, or in his living room recliner watching old westerns.

Todd was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Lawrence and Esther Stadtler; his maternal grandparents Edward and Betty Fitzpatrick; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Harold and Judy Kruckow.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Stadtler; his three children, Amanda (Spencer) Meinholz of Northfield, Minnesota, Emily (Ryan) Meeker of Chatfield, Minnesota, and Brandon Stadtler of La Crosse, Wisconsin; his parents Nick and Donna Stadtler; his brother Troy Stadtler; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday July 8, 2023 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 North Kingston Street, Caledonia, Minnesota. A burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The visitation will be Friday from 3 -7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service, both at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Fredrickson Funeral Home and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can or may be offered at fredricksonfuneralhomes.com.