Fred William Stotlar passed away at 3:00 pm Saturday, October 4, 2014 in Evanston, Illinois, where he was attending a Northwestern football game.
Fred was born in New London, Connecticut, on July 16, 1943, the son of Warder and Helen B. Stotlar. Fred was a lifelong resident of Marion, Illinois and attended Marion Schools. Upon graduating from Marion High School in 1961, Fred attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He graduated and received a Bachelor’s Degree in both Finance and Marketing in 1965. Fred married Mary Ann Deason on November 9, 1968, at the First Christian Church in Marion, Illinois, and together, have shared nearly 46 years of marriage.
After graduating from Northwestern University, Fred returned home to work at Stotlar Herrin Lumber Company, Inc. He was joined in 1968 by his brother Dick Stotlar and together they began the leadership of the fourth generation of the company. Together with their sons, David and Brian, and loyal employees they have continued to serve Southern Illinois since the incorporation of Stotlar Lumber in 1901.
Fred has always been an avid sports fan and participant—the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and the Northwestern Wildcats being his favorite teams. He enjoyed being involved in the Marion Youth Baseball league, coaching in the Bronco League for several years and later being an umpire. He has enjoyed playing golf, is a Corvette collector, and always enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. Fred has held an interest in several Marion organizations with quiet support. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marion and has been an active supporter of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for 46 years. He is a member of the Church Board, serving as the Church Property Chairman, and is an active participant in all aspects of the church including Men’s Fellowship and the church choir.
Fred will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His survivors include his beloved wife Mary Ann, his daughters Sally Stotlar of Walnut Creek, California, Jane Woytek and husband Patrick of Lemont, Illinois, son David Stotlar and wife Jenna of Marion, Illinois. His three precious granddaughters Ellie Ann Woytek, Madeline Ann Woytek, and Ann Elizabeth “Annie” Woytek of Lemont, Illinois, and a fourth blessing to come in March. Brother and Sister in law Dick and Anita Stotlar, Niece Lynn Stotlar and Nephew Brian (Skyla) Stotlar with their children Ashton, Amelia, and Karston. Cousins Dana (Terry) Hoffman, Paula (Tom) Risner, Bill (Judy) Hopkins, Bob (Linda) Borum, Ron Borum, Pat Smothers and Jerry Houghton as well as many special longtime friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Warder and Helen Stotlar, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jack and Emily Deason, grandparents Elmer and Nettie Borum and Fred and Harriet Stotlar, and many special aunts and uncles.
Fred and Mary Ann enjoyed and appreciated the blessings in their lives together—family, friends, and church. Fred appreciated the joys of home, value of work, and the excitement of cheering for sports teams. His quiet, but strong presence will be missed by all.
Funeral services for Fred will be Friday, October 10, 2014 at 11 am at the First Christian Church with the Reverend Bill Rucker officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be Thursday, October 9th from 4:30 – 8 pm at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois.
For those who prefer memorials may be made to the First Christian Church. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.