Joseph Karl Stoltzfus, 52, died on Monday, May 18, 2009, at his home in Hailey after years of pain.
Joe was born to Joseph and Dorothy Stoltzfus on Nov. 15, 1956, in Lancaster, Pa. In 1976, at 18 years old, Joe rode his bicycle across the United States. His ride took him through Hailey and Ketchum. He loved the area so much that he returned to live in Ketchum, where he began working as a carpenter.
Joe married Judy Lacina on May 27, 1984. Joe and Judy met while Joe and his parents were camping in Glacier National Park, where Judy was backpacking. After Jared was conceived, Joe and Judy built Judy's dream home in Hailey. Both Joe and Judy's parents gave much help to the construction of their log home.
Joe has worked as a carpenter all his life. He gained his initial skills in carpentry from his beloved grandfather, Ira Herr, who he lived next door to growing up.
Joe expanded a childhood passion of riding unicycles when he began riding on the mountain trails. He was delighted to discover this sport had a name, MUni (Mountain Unicycling), and other riders as passionate and crazy as him. He shared this love of the unicycle with his son, Jared, and the family frequently participated in MUni gatherings.
Joe was deeply loved and respected by his family and will be forever missed. Joe is survived by his wife, Judy Stoltzfus; his son, Jared Stoltzfus; his parents, Joe and Dorothy Stoltzfus; his sisters, Linda Martin and Brenda Proudfoot; and his cousins, Ed Herr and Neven Herr; as well as nearly 100 first cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at Hop Porter Park in Hailey at 4 p.m.
