Val Stauffer

Val Stauffer passed away on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021 at Kearney Regional Hospital with Marsha and Ron Bauer at his side. Val resided at the Central Nebraska Veteran's Homes in Grand Island and Kearney for the last twelve years. He was a well known resident, known for his humorous personality, his generous sharing of the garden produce he grew, and the beautiful wood products he created with the help of his mentor, Melvin Holmes. Val always entered his best gardening and wood projects in the county and state fairs. Val began a treatment regimen and hard battle with cancer three years ago, which put his other hobbies on hold. Brother in law Ron Bauer said recently that Val was his hero, based on Val's humble behavior, what he’d overcome in life, his appreciation to those who cared for him, and the way he made friends with everyone. Some of the best recent times for Val were his visits to Ron and Marsha's home in Omaha for several days at a time. His sisters in law Mary Lou Stauffer and Judy Stauffer would also visit from out of town, and everyone looked forward to those gatherings so much. The hosts would cook all his favorite meals and, with a sense of humor, remind Val that these times were all about him! Val was born on June 13, 1948 to Elizabeth and Marvin Stauffer of Page, Nebraska. Like his brothers Kent and Randy, Val endured a childhood of mental, emotional, and extreme physical abuse at the hand of their father. His mother was a great advocate, but she was not enough by herself. Val spent his entire life rising above and putting this abuse behind him. He worked as a truck driver and welder, and more. Val served in the United States Army in Germany during the Vietnam War in 1967 and 1968. He married Connie Velder, and they had two sons, Jason and Tanner. When that marriage ended, Val married Debra Jordan, who preceded him in death. Val's cousin Gary Stauffer helped Val with recovery from this loss, and continued to serve as his guardian. Val could never get in enough fishing as a boy. He and Marsha were often at lakes at the Finches’ and Bowens’, and on land owned by his Grandpa Harry Harper. Grandpa Harper had a huge impact on Val--through fishing, love of animals, patience, and the art of participating in a good visit. Most of all, both were humble every day of their lives. Val always had a project, even back then. He would take two barrels and attach them to a board, so he could float on the streams when the family farm northeast of Page flooded. He loved reading western novels, including James Fenimore Cooper, Louis L’Amour, and Wallace Stegner. Val Stauffer is survived by his sons Tanner (wife Holly and son Brady) and Jason Stauffer (wife Ashlea and daughters Madison and Jacie), his sister Marsha and her husband Ron Bauer, sisters in laws Judy Stauffer and Mary Lou Stauffer, nephews Seth (Lindy) Stauffer and Dayd (Sara) Stauffer, Nathan (Sarah) Bauer, Matt (Loucinda) Bauer, Andrew (Missy) Bauer and niece Alex (Jordan) Bauer, as well as his great nephews and nieces and cousins. Val was preceded in death by his loving mother Elizabeth Harper, brothers Kent and Randy Stauffer, wife Debra Stauffer, and grandparents and cousins. Val and his family were always very grateful for the warmth and hard work provided by the staff at CNVH, especially the professional advocacy and friendship from Nursing Director/Associate Lynn de los Angeles. A Memorial Service for Val will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at the Page United Methodist Church in Page, Nebraska.

Val Stauffer

June 13, 1948 - May 31, 2021