Elton Arthur Stickler, (known as Papa E. by his grandchildren) 66, of Winnemucca, Nevada, passed away on April 25, 2015, at the home he built; surrounded by his loved ones after a three year battle with cancer.
Elton was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on November 20, 1948, to Robert Sr. and Harriet Stickler (Stockman). Elton was raised in Big Falls, Minnesota.
Elton woke up with a mission of what he was going to accomplish or experience every day. His zest for life took him on many adventures. He believed anything in life was possible if you were willing to work hard. When he was sixteen he ventured out West and worked as a “buckaroo” in Wyoming. Then he went back home to Big Falls, Minnesota, where he completed his high school education. Shortly after returning home he joined the Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Benner in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. While he was in Vietnam he taught himself how to play guitar and entertained fellow crew members. Elton loved his Country and was passionate about politics. Upon returning to the States from Vietnam he met and fell in love with his wife of 44 years, Barbara Jean Stickler (Pluym). Elton’s charm stole her heart; he would serenade and write songs for his wife to be. He married his wife, Barbara on September 5, 1970; and they came to live in Big Falls, Minnesota. They had three children together who were all born in Northern Minnesota. Elton served his community as an elected councilman. Elton worked as a logger and a trapper. During trapping season Elton would take his two year old son, Zebulan on the trap-line with him everyday until he started school. Elton decided he wanted to learn to fly, and became a pilot three months later. In his spare time he enjoyed being with his family and doing what he loved; playing guitar, fiddle, banjo and accordion, singing, fishing, hunting, trapping, camping and flying. A natural entertainer, Elton will forever be remembered playing his guitar and singing to the family around the campfire.
In 1985 Elton, his wife and their children moved out West to Minden, Nevada, where he ran a boiler for a saw mill company for five years. Then he worked for the State of Nevada where he was Commissioned as an Authorized Inspector. In 1992, he relocated to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he further developed his career in Boiler/ Nuclear Engineering working for an insurance company until he retired in 2009. In 2009, he moved to Winnemucca so he could be close to his children and grandchildren and started his next project; building a home. With the help of family and friends he completed his home in 2011. While he was living in Winnemucca he spent numerous days fishing with his children and grandchildren. Papa E. made sure to visit his one and only great grandson, Harbor, almost everyday.
In 2012, Elton was inducted to the Trapper’s Hall of Fame due to his vast knowledge of trapping. Elton started trapping and sold his first fur when he was ten years old. He continued to trap his entire life and last trapped with his grandson, Braden, in the winter of 2014, and his son in March, 2015.
Elton is preceded in death by his parents, Harriet Stickler (Stockman) and Robert Sr. Stickler, his brother Patrick Stickler, and his grandchildren, Zaden and Jude Stickler.
Elton is survived by his wife of forty four plus years, Barbara Jean Stickler (Pluym), children Lorinda and (Wayne) Nolan, Colette and (Mark) Hansen and Zebulan Stickler and (Rhianna) Olzak, grandchildren, Zachary, Tesha and Braden Nolan; Alexis, Brooke and Kaleb Hansen; and Autumn Stickler, Kylie Lott, Ashlynn Ker, and Zayla Stickler, great grandchild, Harbor Elton Nolan, his siblings, Robert Jr. Stickler, Lawrence Stickler, Karen Stickler (Cody), Michael Stickler, Debra Stickler, David Stickler, and James Stickler, and by numerous nephews and nieces.
Elton lived a fulfilling life. He loved life, his family and God. His determination enabled him to accomplish everything he wanted to do. He shared his love of the outdoors with his wife, children and grandchildren. Elton’s passion to live life to the fullest, never slow down, hard work, stubbornness, voice and music will be missed by all who knew him. Elton was someone you met and could not forget; he was rowdy, witty and ornery. His legacy will be carried on by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on May 23, 2015, at Watersprings Church, 4250 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, Idaho.
