Rick said when he lived in the Chuckawalla house in Thousand Palms, Don would come down from Loma Linda where he was attending nursing school. He n Rick would fixed dented cars n repaint them for money to pay for his schooling. They enjoyed doing that together. Rick says those were good memories.

Older brother Rick misses Don, flying their planes, working on, and repainting cars, along with oldest brother Rob, laughing, joking and carrying on about the 3 Stelling boys. So many great memories Don. Miss you little brudder. 

One of my best memories of Don was when I returned from a year in Japan.  He picked me up at the airport in Reno (he was living in Fallon, Nevada, where I was going to work) and asked me if I wanted to get something to eat before we headed back to Fallon.  It had been a long time since I had eaten Mexican food, so we went to Naugles, a fast-food place.  Apparently, I was quite hungry, and Don tried to match me item-for-item.  The poor guy was feeling pretty sick on the drive back to Fallon, but he never lost his sense of humor.  It was one more thing that drew me closer to my brother-in-law.  Miss you, Don!

I have so many memories of Don that it is difficult to know where to start.  I first discovered his sense of humor when I stopped by his apartment on Halloween and posted on his door was a sign that said "Please use front door" with an arrow pointing to his neighbor's apartment.  One way of graciously redirecting Trick-or-Treaters.  His delight in causing us all to groan at his jokes only reinforced repeat performances.

Don was a caring man and his love for making cars a work of art was something that benefited many people.  I know that I wasn't the only person that drove around in a car painted by Don Stelling.  Every time I would see him, he would show me pictures of cars that he was fixing up or houses that he was finishing for others.  His generosity was legendary.  

As a brother-in-law, Don took special care of me and at times would take me flying with him in one of his planes.  He seemed to enjoy it almost as much as I did when he handed over the controls to me.   He rejoiced in my successes and supported me when I had struggles.  I remember that he was the one who picked me up in the Reno airport when I returned from a year in Japan.  Don was always willing to go out of the way to help another person.

I look forward to seeing Don again when Christ comes in the clouds of glory.  Rest, my brother, until that day.


Don was a kind and supportive brother-in-law with so many talents.  He always had a project (or 2 or 3) and each one was completed to perfection.  He seemed to have boundless energy and I don’t ever remember him without a smile on his face.  His smile always included a twinkle in his eye.  He loved helping others.  I’m so thankful for the hope we have in Jesus.  See you soon Don and maybe then I’ll be able to come closer to matching your energy.  Our prayers to all.

I remember having my first baby, a girl, and she just refused to come out! With my blood disorders I couldn't have an epidural, sadly. I had prepared myself for all all natural birth (yikes!), but I was high risk and had to have a cesarean. I was so tired after being in labor for 24 hours. I was immensely comforted when Mr. Stelling showed up as they were wheeling me back, and in his gentle way explained things and began counting down.... zzzzzz. Lol! What craziness that was, but God used your Dad's presence at that moment, Donna, to give me great comfort. I am so sorry for your loss. Much love and prayers for your family. 

Don, Rob n I knew mom made a mistake when she brought your butt home from the hospital.  We were hoping for a puppy.   What a pain you were!  I have a lot of memories of the three of us. It takes years before you appreciate your brudders. We'll miss you until we're all together again in Heaven.   Love,  brudder Rick

Rick and I have lots of memories.  I thank God for 3 wonderful Christian Stelling men and being part of the Stelling family for so very long. You "boys" have had a "3 stooges brudderly banter"  all the 41 years I've known you.  I  will miss the banter of 3, but look forward to laughs & smiles and the banter of 3 AGAIN when we all get to Heaven! REALLY, what a glorious day that will be  when we all see Jesus,  and all our loved ones "gone too soon" again.  Miss your laugh Don 💜 love, Pam

There are so many lessons I learned from Don and so many things I’ll miss about him. 
He taught my kids about God through his prayers, faith, and example. 
Don enjoyed travel, and had an eye for the beauty in nature, music, and life.  
Don was confident and had a plan for most situations which made me more confident as I knew if I got in trouble with a home project I could call Don to rescue me.
Don always said yes to challenges.
Don had many strengths and two big ones were his intelligence and faith. 
Don was full of integrity and composed under trial.
Don was a generous person. 
Thank you for your example and all you taught me.
I miss you!

“Well done good and faithful servant……enter into the joy of your Lord”
Matthew 25:23


Don Stelling -
A man of faith;
A man of integrity; 
A man of brilliance;
A genius in his own right.
A wonderful, giving, warm-hearted neighbor;
Always there to help, listen and advise.
Don Stelling -
A gift to mankind!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not parish but have eternal life." John 3:16

My happiest memories are the day we met and the day of our wedding.
We were elated, in love, and very grateful to God for leading us to each other. Don filled my life with love, joy, laughter, never-ending projects, love for tools, classic cars and airplanes, but mostly showed me a deeper understanding of God's love by the way he treated me, his family, and everybody around him. I miss him terribly. I can only bear losing him by our faith in God and His promises. Jesus will return and reunite us soon!

Don was so many things to so many people- a kind neighbor, a loving husband, a good friend, a reliable father in law, a compassionate nurse, and a wonderful grandfather. He played each role with Jesus as his guide.  Heaven is a happier place with Don Stelling in it, and we will feel his loss here on earth until we join him again. 

Dear Don,
We love you so much. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our family thru the years! We are forever grateful for your kind words, silly jokes, and life advice. Love
You!!! 


I’ll miss you grandpa, it was always a pleasure going on outings with  you whether it be on a boat or just in your beautiful backyard playing with humming birds. Thank you for always being you and making us laugh. 
I love you, 
Giselle. 

Dearest Don and mom,
We have so many wonderful memories of all the thanksgivings we spent together. Laughing, eating, sharing stories. We remember our thanksgivings in Florida, in Oregon, and our last thanksgiving in California.  All our thanksgivings together reminds us of the one wonderful thanksgiving that we have coming in heaven! Where we will be all together once again and with Jesus. We look forward to that day even as we grieve and miss you now. We love  you so much! 
David, Marina, Giselle and Ethan Westerdahl 

R.I.P. Don.    Although you were readily available and forever willing to help others with WHATEVER they came to you with,  you can truly rest now with our Heavenly Father.  Thanks for all your help!

Dad was a loving, tenderhearted, gentle man, who showed me the compassion and unfailing love of my heavenly Father. I will be eternally grateful for this view of God that he gave me throughout his life. I can hardly wait to see him again when Jesus returns and wakes him up from death’s slumber. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!

OBITUARY

Donald Eugene Stelling

September 12, 1947 – February 10, 2022

Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary

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