Donald Lee Stoltz

January 28, 1935 - March 18, 2023

Donald Lee Stoltz passed away at age 88 on March 18, 2023, in Grants Pass, Oregon, surrounded by family.

Don was born on January 28, 1935, to the late Dale and Eva Stoltz in Dayton, Ohio. He grew up on the family’s Boughbend apple farm on Route 36 near Bradford, Ohio; was baptized at Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church in Gettysburg on April 10, 1935; and attended Bradford High School (Class of 1953 and Class President). He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1958, followed by a Master’s Degree in Industrial Management in 1960 from Purdue University.

Don excelled at trumpet, playing in the high school marching band and area big bands. He was deeply enthusiastic about jazz. He admired jazz greats, such as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Harry James, Herb Albert and Louis Armstrong. He went on to perform in The Ohio State University Marching Band and Alumni Band, performing his last march in Ohio Stadium at the age of 80 years, in 2015.

Don had met the love of his life, Dorothy Jeanette (Smith) Stoltz, at Ohio State and they were married on August 15, 1959.

After graduate studies at Purdue, he started his lifelong career with General Electric, with the family moving around the country.

Preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Eva Stoltz and his wife, Dorothy. Don is survived by his three children, Sherrill Curry, Karen Breyer, and Chris Stoltz; three grandsons, Trenton Newman, James Curry and Justin Curry; six great-grandchildren, Holly Jones, Rebecca Machain and Cody Breyer; six great-grandchildren; extended family and many friends.

Graveside Service and Interment April 13th Thursday at 12 Noon at Gettysburg Cemetery with Pastor Gary Brand officiating. Condolences may be left for the family at www.stockerfraley.com.

Don was a member of the marching band in 1953 and 1955. He played Trumpet in T-Row.