Donald Lee Stadler

Donald Lee “Don” Stadler, 91, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at his home.

He was born October 29, 1934, in Topeka, to Clarence L. and Catherine M. (Herman) Stadler. Don attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Hayden High School in 1952.

Don served in the United States Army National Guard and worked as a foreman for Kansas Power and Light for 40 years. After retiring he owned and operated Stadlers Liquor Store in Oakland. He had a tremendous work ethic and enjoyed providing for his family.

He married Mila Mae Beasley on June 23, 1956, at Sacred Heart Church. They celebrated 57 years together, before her passing in 2013.

Don loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and enjoyed gambling and sports betting, watching the KU Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs, playing poker with his friends, and tinkering in the garage. He also looked forward to the annual Germanfest at Sacred Heart Church.

He is survived by his children, Donna Rachlen and husband Jordan of Rogers, Arkansas, Mary Lawrence and husband Johnny of Tecumseh, Kansas, Charlene Stadler and fiancé Kellen Kornell of Kansas City, Missouri; sisters, Lois Stadler-Durow of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, Jan Fisher and husband Neil of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren, Jason, Joe, Cassie, Sarah, John, Katie, Kelly, Amanda, Jennifer; great grandchildren, Liam, Ethan, Christian, Ollie, Adrian, Camryn, Madison, Oliver, Charlotte, Tedjrick, Trenton, and Zaylee.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steve Stadler; grandchildren, Travis and Allison; and a great grandchild, Theodore Harris IV.

The family will receive friends from 9:00am to 10:30am, with a rosary prayed at 10:30am, and Mass of Christian Burial Celebrated at 11:00am, Friday June 5, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions should be made to Sacred Heart/ St. Joseph Parish, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.