Francis G. Stalp, 93, of West Point, died Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Franciscan Healthcare in West Point.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30am on Saturday, February 25 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. James Weeder as celebrant.  Burial with Military Honors will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the GACC Cafeteria.  Visitation will be Friday from 3:00pm to 7:00pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00pm at Stokely Funeral Home.  Family will be present at visitation from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.  Visitation will continue on Saturday at church from 9:30am until the start of the service. Memorials may be made to Guardian Angels Central Catholic Endowments.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Francis Gerhard Stalp was born on March 2, 1929 to Joseph and Christina (Schlueter) Stalp (the second of four children) on the family farm north of West Point.   He attended Guardian Angels School and graduated in 1947. He joined his father on the family farm after graduating.

He was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953 and served in Japan for part of his duty.  After being honorably discharged, Francis returned to the farm.  He met the love of his life, Joan Feller, during a night of dancing at the King’s Ballroom in Norfolk.

On August 20, 1957, the couple was united in marriage at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wisner.  They farmed north of West Point 56 years until 2013 before moving into West Point.  They enjoyed square dancing in their younger days and played cards (pitch) with several other local couples on Friday nights for decades.

Francis was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 3^rd Degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 70, and VFW Post 4912.  He had a love for farming and was proud to carry on the legacy of his grandfather, Gerhard Stalp, who first purchased the farm in 1916.  Francis thought of the land like a caring father thinks of his children.

Faith, family, and generosity were the three pillars of how he lived his life.  Francis sought to further his family, extended family, and his faith community the way his predecessors did.  He and his wife Joan were rarely apart while attending church & social events and serving their community.

Francis enjoyed collecting vintage coins, reading agricultural magazines, and investing in the stock market and livestock/grain futures. For many decades he drove to ”the office” Monday through Friday at Harry Knobbe Commodities to watch the market, have a coffee/donut, and visit with the office staff.

His favorite hobby was the hard work he faithfully performed every day on his farm until age 84. His uniform was a seed cap, long sleeve shirt, Key “Imperial” overalls, and work boots. He was also known for making delicious pancakes the mornings after his grandchildren spent the night.

Survivors include daughter, Alice Kindschuh of Omaha; son, Dan (Lisa) of Overland Park, KS; daughter-in-law Kim Stalp Schlautman; seven grandchildren, Zachery (Carly) Kindschuh, Jessica (Jamie) Kindschuh-Bryan, Cody Kindschuh, Mackenzie (Mason) Matlock, Sydney Stalp, Jackson Stalp, and Dominic Stalp; two great grandchildren, Bradey Kindschuh and Max Bryan; brother, Dennis (Lorraine) Stalp of West Point; sister, Bernice Hassler of Calgary, sisters-in law, Mary Lou (Larry) Beeson of Wisner, Corrine Feller of Valley and Carolyn Feller of Beemer; and brothers-in-law, Paul Johnson of San Antonio, TX and Bob (Judy) Feller of Wisner.

Francis is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan on December 27, 2022; son, David in 1987; son-in-law, Jerry Kindschuh in 2001; sister, Katherine Johnson; and brother-in-law, Vincent Hassler.