Richard (Rick) Byford Stoltz passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on February 25, 2023. He was born into a military family (Raymond and Beulah Stoltz) on April 21, 1931 in Indianapolis, IN. He ultimately established his own outstanding career in the Army.
In 1955, Rick attained a BS degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Colorado where he met his beloved wife Joanie (Joan Eleanor Polak).They married September 2, 1956 and were a devoted pair until her recent death in April of 2022 after 65 years of marriage.
He became one of the Army’s leading marksmen and was asked to manage the All-Army Olympic Shooting Team. Instead, he chose to pursue his career in the Medical Service Corp which led him to become a very distinguished leader and instructor.
In Ft. Benning, GA, he led the Medical Department at the Infantry School where he trained very successful instructors, advised the Pentagon, set up MASH hospitals for troops in training, and set audiology standards for the Infantry.
In 1974, he was selected to attend the coveted US Army War College and during that year was promoted ‘below the zone’ to full Colonel (the accelerated promotion of select few for superior performance).
After being stationed at the Pentagon for two years as the Chief of Operations for the Army Surgeon General, he retired with 30 years of service in 1978 and moved the family to Reno, NV to be closer to Joan’s relatives.
Rick had many passions – hosting parties, camping, world travels, shooting, flying airplanes, tinkering in his shop, and dancing. Early on, he was an Arthur Murray Dance Instructor and was incredibly talented on the dance floor – especially with the love of his life, Joanie.
This devoted patriarch was an inspiration to all that had the honor of knowing him.
Rick is survived by his three children - Richard Stoltz, Jr., Cindy Margules, and Sheri Uhrig, their spouses and numerous grand and great-grandchildren.