Wesley Emil Stiller

Wesley “Wes” Emil Stiller, 92, of Loveland Colorado, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Born in Zumbrota, Minnesota in 1932. He met his future wife Arlene at age six in a one room schoolhouse they both attended. As soon as he met her, he told her, “Someday I’m going to marry you.” And he did. Wes and Arlene shared 71 happy years of married life.

Wes grew up on a farm and developed a love of gardening, animals, fishing and hunting, passions he pursued his entire life. In 1951 Wes joined the US Army and fought bravely in the Korean conflict. He earned two Purple Hearts, one for putting his life on the line and saving his platoon. In 2011 he was awarded the medals by the Governor of Colorado before a crowd of hundreds. Wes was a proud member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He showed his pride by honoring those fallen by laying wreaths on Memorial Day and participating in many parades.

Wes worked in the computer industry, helping to develop the first computers. An incredible engineer and craftsman, he could come up with and build a solution to almost any problem set before him. He built wagons for every one of his grandchildren from the ground up.

Wes and Arlene lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota where they raised their two sons. After the boys finished college, they moved to a home on Eagle Lake in Northern Minnesota. There they enjoyed country life and a whole lot of fishing. Wes played a major role in planning and constructing a new Lutheran church building in their small community. In 1997 they moved to Longmont, Colorado to be closer to children and grandchildren. They were very active in Longs Peak United Methodist Church. They moved to Good Samaritan Loveland Village in 2023, enjoying the beautiful views, the wildlife, and meeting new friends.

Wes loved music and played tuba, trombone, and piano. He and Arlene loved to sing and were in many choirs. They shared their love of music with their boys, Steven and Mark, who followed their father’s example and shared their music with their church and community.

Wes was an amazing father, teacher, and friend, and was a role model in everything that he did. He demonstrated his deep Christian faith without fail, in all aspects of his life, an inspiration to all who knew him.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Stiller, his two sisters, Adeline Radtke and Eleanor Brown, and his two brothers, Howard Stiller and Gail Stiller. He is survived by his wife, Arlene, his two sons, Steven and Mark, his grandchildren, Emily, Katherine, and Matthew, and 5 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of life will be held on February 1, 2025 at Longs Peak United Methodist Church at 10 am. The service will be live-streamed.