Michael Stoffler

Born on May 15th, 1953 in Granite City, Illinois, Mike was the oldest of four boys. The family moved to Greeley, Colorado in 1961, when his father became a professor at the University of Northern Colorado. He attended College High School and graduated in 1971. Staying close to home, and having the opportunity to play college baseball, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

Mike began his career as a teacher, coach, and high school administrator. As a young teacher and head baseball coach at Valley High School, he led his team in back to back Colorado State Championships and was honored as Colorado High School Coach of the Year at the AA level. During his 35 yrs of employment, Mike spent nearly a decade serving as the Director of Sales, Training and Employment Development at ConAgra. He later returned to education as a High School administrator, serving as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Estes Park High School and Brighton High School, where he retired in 2010. Even in retirement Mike continued teaching GED classes for immigrants and youth in Colorado and later worked as a substitute teacher in Omaha.

In 1976, Mike married his high school sweetheart Ranae; and celebrated 49 yrs of marriage this past August. Together, they raised three daughters: Laura Stoffler, Kelly Salamanca (Isaac Salamanca), and Jessica Remacle (Zac Remacle). Mike was also a proud and devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren: Dwayne, Mikayla, Lexi, Maryah, Tyler, Emma and Michael. He is survived by his three younger brothers - Steven, Daniel, and Patrick, along with Patrick’s wife, Annie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Millie Stoffler.

In 2016, Mike and Ranae, along with family, moved to Papillion, Nebraska, where Mike developed many meaningful friendships and worked at the Omaha Cigar Company. During his time in Nebraska, he grew deeply in his Christian faith through fellowship and truly sought to serve the Lord and live out his faith each day.

Mike had a lifelong love of baseball and was truly a student of the game. He was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, and his all-time favorite player was #45, Bob Gibson. He coached his daughters and granddaughter in fast-pitch softball and his grandson in baseball. He enjoyed mentoring young coaches and supporting them in their journey.

With a true heart to serve, Mike was deeply involved in his community, volunteering for many organizations such as Friends of Baseball, Greeley /Evans Youth League, Reagan Club of CO, Birthright (Pro-life org), The American Cancer Society, and Marriage Encounter, where Mike and Ranae mentored young couples preparing to walk out their faith in marriage. He actively participated in his church and supported young believers through their mission work and through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Mike’s legacy is one of generosity and leadership. He was committed to helping both youth and young adults discover their full potential and was always willing to offer his wisdom and encouragement to his friends, family and anyone in need. His impact on young people was profound and enduring and he always pointed people to the power of putting God first in their lives and believing in themselves. He will be dearly missed by the many lives he touched.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s name to Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Assure Women’s Center. A memorial service will be held at Wildwood Christian Church, 1255 Royal Drive, Papillion, NE 68046 on Friday Nov. 21st at 11:00am.

Mike will never be forgotten, will be forever loved, and is rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.