Thomas Paul Stiller

Thomas “Tom” Paul Stiller (Loveland, Colorado) received his final salute on September 4, 2025. He was welcomed peacefully into God’s loving arms with his wife of 56 years, Moni, by his side – along with family and friends at the Cheyenne VA, Old Glory Community Living Center.

Tom was born on April 10, 1947 to Charles and Florence Stiller and grew up in Whiting, Indiana. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School. He enjoyed many wonderful times fishing and hunting on Lake Michigan which was only two blocks from his family home. Good times were spent with neighbors and friends gathering at the lakefront for the annual neighborhood picnic. He enjoyed his hometown annual 4th of July parade proudly marching as a Boy Scout. He graduated from George Rogers Clark High School in 1966.

After high school, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy and attended Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He attended advanced training at the Navy’s elite Special Warfare School located in Coronado, California. After training, he served in Vietnam with Special Warfare Combat Crewmen and United States Navy Seals assigned to the River Patrol Force. He proudly served in the Navy from 1966-1970 and was medically discharged in August of 1970; after numerous medical complications resulting from combat, and having earned the Presidential Unit Award.

Following his honorable discharge, he attended Indiana University Northwest and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He was employed as a social worker and was a retiree of Amoco Oil Refinery (20 years).

Relocating to Colorado, soon after his retirement from Amoco, his final employment was with the State of Colorado (as part of the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program) as a Veterans Employment Specialist. While serving in this capacity, Tom was awarded the Distinguished Accomplishment Award from the Governor in recognition of Outstanding Achievement in the Employment of Workers with Disabilities. He proudly and humbly accepted this award on behalf of all the American Veterans he was able to assist and offer hope to – regardless of their disability, whether visible or invisible. Tom loved the United States of America and was so proud to serve in the United States Navy and continue to serve his Country by working alongside other Disabled American Veterans.

Some of Tom’s favorites were his love for fishing (especially with his grandchildren), the Chicago Bears, outdoor activities, gardening, music, reading and cherry pie.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Monica (Dvorscak) and devoted daughters Valerie Vasile (Dominic, Jr.) and Christine Stiller Rutledge (Michael Muth). Loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Giovanna Vasile Williams (Colton); Luca Arthur and Landon Thomas Williams; Dominic Vasile III (Emily Hankins); Amanda Kate Rutledge; brother-in-law, Edward Dvorscak (Midge); sisters-in-law, Erna Stiller, Annedda Stiller, Regina Hisey as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Very dear and special friends, Joe Grenchik, Nick Yunker, Dave Broccoli, and Janice and Ken Speaks. Preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Wayne and James Stiller; nephew, Jerome Stiller; and brother-in-law, Thomas Hisey.

A special thank you to the many caregivers from Loveland to Cheyenne VA Medical Center and especially the Community Living Center VA Employees and Volunteers. We appreciate the tireless hours and moments you provided comfort and exceptional loving care to make sure Tom was safe and well cared for. There are too many to name individually, but with grateful hearts, our family Thanks You! Tom was so blessed to have all of you in his life.

Tom will lovingly be laid to rest at a private graveside ceremony that will take place at the beautiful Estes Valley Memorial Gardens in Estes Park, Colorado. May he rest peacefully in the meadow among the wildlife - surrounded by the stunning aspen changing with the seasons – within the shadows of Deer Mountain.

The family requests that in the spirit of Tom’s ongoing social work, throughout his entire life, donations in his name may be made to the Fort Collins Rescue Mission.

https://fortcollinsrescuemission.org

In the words of Tom, “Enjoy nature and live in kindness.”