Joseph Stolze

Joseph E. Stolze, D.V.M.

September 12, 1960 – January 20, 2021

Joseph Stolze, 60, died on January 20^th after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Doreen Stolze.  He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Elizabeth (Pyle); children: Sidney, Thomas and Danielle; his father, Mark Stolze; siblings: Pete (Laura) Stolze, Greg (Julie) Stolze, Cathy Fry, Ceci (Bob) Hickman, Cindy (Kevin) Hultman, Connie (Terry) Handel, and Colleen (Mark) Bennett; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

VISITATION observing CDC guidelines: Friday, February 5^th, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Saturday, Feb. 6^th at 10:30am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6905 Blondo.  Box luncheon at funeral home after Mass.  Masks and social distancing observed.

To view Live streaming of Vigil and Service, go to www.heafyheafy.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Pius X Catholic Church, Omaha or Omaha Mercy High School.

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Joseph E. Stolze was born in Tipton, Iowa on September 12, 1960 as the third of eight children to parents Mark and Doreen Stolze.  He passed away on Wednesday January 20, 2021, at 60 years of age, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

As a child, he experienced a childhood full of faith, family and adventure, thoroughly enjoying the outdoors, which only intensified as he grew older. His enthusiasm for nature inspired him to embark on hunting adventures before classes in high school.  He graduated from Ankeny High School in 1979, and continued his education at Iowa State University, where he graduated in 1983 with a BS in Animal Science. As a young college graduate, he worked for 2 years for Farmers Home Administration until he reduced his college loan money enough to return to Iowa State and Iowa State Veterinary School, graduating in the class of 1990. 

Joe’s first veterinary job was in Mankato, Minnesota as the overnight emergency shift veterinarian.  After a year he followed a friend’s advice and moved to Omaha in 1991, where he worked for the Animal-Spay Neuter Clinic for 28 years. 

In 1994 Joe met his life companion and soulmate, Elizabeth (Pyle), on a blind date setup by mutual friends.  Their connection was instantaneous, and their friendship and love grew through their marriage and the birth of their three children, Sid, Tommy and Dani.

Joe loved life and took advantage of every opportunity God presented him and this led him to spend much of his time up in a tree stand with his bow by his side, experiencing the beauty of nature and prayer. He shared his passion for the outdoors often with his family by his side.   Joe was a successful hunter, skilled carpenter, car mechanic, experienced in tree felling, basically his talents were immense and he shared them with anyone who needed him.  Joe’s smile was infectious and his laughter bounded throughout any room. He cherished every moment with his family and always trusted in the Lord.  Above all his faith in God and love for his family reigned supreme.