Jill Stamer

Obituary

Dorothy Jill Stamer was born on August 31, 1938, in Grafton, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Oliver “Taft” and Elizabeth Margaret (Stavert) Kana. Jill was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth. During her high school years, she played the baritone in the marching band and was proud of their performances at the Rose Bowl, the Orange Bowl and Mardi Gras. Jill was a graduate and Valedictorian of the Grafton High School Class of 1956.

On December 4, 1956, Jill was united in marriage to LeRoy Stamer in Webster, SD. They made their home in Osceola Township, rural Bird Island and Hector, and were blessed with six children, including Sally, Michael, Tracy, Nancy, Jeffrey and Dale. Jill was a loving wife, mother, homemaker, and partner in the farming operation. Jill and LeRoy later moved to Hutchinson and spent their winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. They also enjoyed spending time at their lake cabin in Spicer, Minnesota.

Jill was adventurous and found joy in traveling. One of her favorite pastimes, though, was attending the sporting activities that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participated in. Jill put a little spice in the lives of everyone she knew. She loved colorful clothing, big earrings and always had her nails and hair done. She was eccentric and her style unique. Jill is well-known for her sense of humor, always telling jokes and making people laugh. Many will remember her infamous Christmas Letters full of wit and comedy, often at the expense of her siblings and children. Jill most loved spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.

Jill and LeRoy shared 59 years of marriage prior to the passing of LeRoy on July 25, 2016. Jill passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 85 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Jill is survived by her:
Daughter, Sally Mellies; her children, Lindsay Anderson, Monica (Brendan) MacDonald, Leah (Dan) Hicks; her grandchildren, Ella, Blaire, Adeline, Lillian, Laine and Lucille;
Son, Michael Stamer and his wife, Danna; his children, Destinee (Oliver) Olson, Josie (Jason) Shaul, Jacob Mikosch, Joseph Mikosch; his grandchildren, Beau, Margot, and Baylor;
Daughter, Tracy Dixon and her husband, Jim Lukanich; her children, Mallory (Kyle) Lunke, Shelby (Jonathon) Vaughn, Reid Dixon; her grandchildren, Maela, Julien, Gabriel and Semira;
Daughter, Nancy Jergenson and her husband, Arden; her children, Ryan (Jennifer) Blad, Austin Blad; her grandchildren, Connor and Avery;
Daughter-in-law, Robin Stamer; her children, Michaela Stamer, Alyssa Stamer, Marissa Stamer, Brooklyn Stamer, Paisley Stamer;
Son, Dale Stamer and his wife, Beatrice; his children, Brittany (Zach Carlson) Stamer, Brianne (Kevin) Levandoski, Brady Stamer; his grandchildren, Rue and Lovely;
Siblings, Jane Borland, Sue Mackey, Marit (Joe) Vamarasi, John “Jack” (Sonja) Kana, Jody Foster;
Sister-in-law, Judy Brown;
Many other relatives and friends.

Jill is preceded in death by her Parents, Oliver and Elizabeth Kana; Husband, LeRoy Stamer; Son, Jeffrey Stamer; Son-in-law, Ronald Mellies; Brothers-in-law, John Borland, Ron Mackey, Bernard Brown.