STETTLER
Richard James Stettler died October 15, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Fannie Mae and Frederick F. Stettler. Richard married Wilmajean Ketchum December 27, 1944. They met while working as cartographers making maps for the Army Map Service. Richard and Wilmajean started their married life in Pecos, Texas at the Pecos Army Air Field where Richard trained to be a Navigator on the B-29 aircraft in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war ended they moved back to Indianapolis where Richard attended Purdue University, graduating with high honors as a Chemical Engineer. His fascination with all types of engines led him to earn two patents for fuel properties in car and aircraft engines along with Allison Engine Company. They later moved to Michigan where he worked as an Engineer with General Motors. In addition, he worked in the U.K. with Rolls Royce on aircraft engines. After a long and successful career, Richard and Wilmajean retired to Naples, Florida to enjoy a warmer climate - PARADISE! The one thing Richard loved more than designing engines was spending time with family and friends. He was a patient and loving man who spent hours teaching his grand-children to fish and learn about the outdoors at the lake cottage he designed and built in Indiana. He taught them about wildlife, butterflies, bugs and snakes and most importantly about the majic of America's wonderful outdoors. His gentle ways of teaching appealed to children's learning and interest. Richard also loved playing golf with his many dear friends and family. Richard shared his life and faith with family and friends - a life surrounded with peaceful joy! He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frederick F. and Eugene and their wives, Mildred and Ann. Richard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 68 years, Wilmajean; son, Robert Richard Stettler; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Kay and Gerald Rene Christin; five grand-children, Jeremy James Stettler and wife Katie, Joel Stettler, Justin Stettler and wife Jennifer, Patricia Stettler Fry and husband Ryan and Gerald R. Christin, III; and two great granddaughters, Coralyn and Adelle Fry. A Celebration of Richards life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory can be made to the Humane Society of Naples, 370 Airport Pulling Rd, Naples, FL 34104; Humane Society of Brazil, 8280 N County Road 125 W Brazil, IN 47834; Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, Florida 34105 or the American Heart Association, 28441 Bonita Crossings Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For online condolences, please visit www.fullernaples.com.