R. John Stolz

R. John Stolz, died on Monday December 9, 2024 after a prolonged illness.

John was born September 6, 1940 a son to the late Raymond J. and Cora Belle (Warren) Stolz

John graduated from Fairview High School and began training as a welder. His skills led him to a positions at Bucyrus Erie and American Sterilizer. After excelling in his trade, he teamed up with his father to establish R & J Welding and Construction. Together, they crafted parts for companies like American Sterilizer as well as fabricating woodstoves; “The Springfield Stove” can still be found heating homes and garages across western Erie County. Later, John took on work as a pipeline inspector, traveling out of town (as far as Saudi Arabia) until his retirement. The time he spent working alongside his father remained a cherished memory throughout his life and was deeply reverential of the careful craftsmanship of all those he worked with on the pipeline.

John deeply loved his family, and the quality time they shared meant everything to him. He took special pride in his garden and fruit trees, carefully tending to them each year. During harvest, he and Cheryl would spend hours peeling, canning, and sampling the fruits and vegetables they had grown. John had a passion for wine, crafting unique blends of wine from the 10 different varieties of grapes grown on his property, all while carefully monitoring the progress of other batches of wine in the “1307 Winery.”  Taste testing was his specialty.

An avid NASCAR fan and a lover of "good country music," John especially admired Waylon Jennings. He was a proud 50-year member of the Tyran Commonwealth Masonic Lodge #362 and was also a member of the Erepa Grotto Kilty Band. John embraced life to the fullest, always surrounded by the people he loved. In his later years, Cheryl Hessinger became the sunshine of his life, bringing him laughter and joy.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann (Uhl) Stolz whom he married in May of 1958; a daughter, Lisa Ann Stolz-Brooks; and a brother, Howard Stolz.

He will be greatly missed around the “The Stump” by his family which include, Denise “Lori” Shollenberger; brothers, David Stolz (Cynthia) and James Stolz; grandchildren, Marlay Shollenberger (Stephanie) and Kayla Thomas (Anthony); great-grandchildren, Maxwell Shollenberger, Madelon Shollenberger and Warren Thomas (whom he called Wildcat); best friend, William “Sherm” Shollenberger; and the sunshine of his life Cheryl Hessinger.

He is also survived by those who knew him as Uncle John; Howard Stolz (Lorrie), Raymond Stolz (Princess), Matt Stolz (Faith), Leah Kulesa, Garrett Stolz (Lindsay) and Grant Stolz (Hannah).

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania, C/O Office of Mission Advancement and Development, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

Services are being held Privately by the family

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