Final Salute

Frederick Leland “Fred” Stoldt, age 82, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, in Spring Hill, Florida. Born on November 25, 1942, in Sabetha, Kansas, Fred lived a life marked by service, craftsmanship, and deep devotion to his family.

Fred proudly served his country in the United States Navy Reserve as a Constructionman (CN, E-3) from January 15, 1964, to December 18, 1969. As a Navy Seabee with USN MCB Ten, he was deployed to Vietnam and participated in operations that earned him the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal among other commendations. Some of his service remains classified—a testament to the dedication and discretion with which he fulfilled his duties. His time in the military left a lasting impression on him; he often shared vivid stories of his experiences with family and friends, connecting generations through his memories.

After completing his military service, Fred applied his skills and tireless work ethic to a successful career as a precision millwright. He worked for Farmland Industries building grain elevators, fertilizer plants, and cotton gins across the United States. Later, he continued his career with Alert as a supervisor. In both roles, Fred earned the respect of colleagues for his reliability and leadership. His work took him across the country and created opportunities for his family to travel alongside him—experiences that became cherished memories for his children.

Fred was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, gardening, woodworking, leather crafting, and creating intricate wire pictures—anything that allowed him to work with his hands. He also enjoyed watching football and baseball games and had a lifelong love for horseback riding and bowling. These hobbies were not just pastimes but expressions of his creativity and connection to the world around him.

Faith played an important role in Fred’s life. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This verse was the first one he taught his children to memorize and reflected the spiritual foundation upon which he built his life. Fred was baptized alongside three of his children—Shawna, Frank, and Bobbie—in a small Baptist church outside of Hamilton, Kansas. Above all else, Fred cherished his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Stoldt; his children Bobbie Stoldt, Shawna Thompson, Frank Stoldt, and Travis Stoldt; and his grandchildren Phoenocia Stoldt, Cynthia Weicht, Chelsey Lynch, April Wright, Robert Thompson, Tyler Stoldt, Sadie Stoldt, Dakota Stoldt, Mason Stoldt, Gracie Stoldt, Candy Stoldt, Frank Stoldt Jr., Noah Stoldt, and Dylan Stoldt. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Karson Wood, Colton Wood, Kensley Mott, Garrett Mott, Aiden Swink, Hayden Swink, Madison Cutter, Scarlet Thompson, Hunter Hensley, Conrad Stoldt, and Oakly Stoldt. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Those who knew Fred will remember him as a kind-hearted man with a gentle spirit—a man whose hands built not only structures but also a life full of meaning and love. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the lessons he taught by example, and the deep love he gave to those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 17, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM at VFW 14736 Edward R Noll Dr. This is the first service and a later one will be scheduled in Sabetha, Kansas.