William George Stalder Jr.

William George Stalder Jr. 94, of Hoodsport, Washington, passed away October 22, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Frances Stalder; his six children—Sabrina Nelson, William R. Stalder, Francine Stalder, Ruth Dickson, Johnathan Stalder, and Gene Stalder; 13 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. William was born in Preston Idaho on February 28, 1932. He grew up in Tacoma, Washington, with his mother, Helen Swainston and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951. While in High School he loved swimming and was on the swim team. He met his future wife, Frances Dalton, while staying with his father, William Stalder, in Grace Idaho. He joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after High School and served as an Air Traffic Controller. After a short assignment in Japan, he returned home and married Frances on November 15, 1954 in the Logan UT Temple. He served for more than 20 years in the Air Force serving around the world before retiring. He then began a second career and worked for over 20 years with the U.S. Postal Service, from which he also retired. Throughout his life, William faithfully served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many capacities. After his retirement he served for several years as a temple worker in the Seattle Temple. William had many passions in his life. He loved spending time on his ham radio where he enjoyed conversations with people around the world. Through his hobby with his ham radio, he served as an emergency-preparedness representative for the Church. He built a wooden sailboat while stationed in Las Vegas and enjoyed sailing. He then bought a larger boat (21’ Islander) sailboat while stationed in Mississippi as the wooden boat wasn’t able to withstand the stronger winds and waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Our family had many adventures on the water for many years; sailboat racing in Mississippi and camping around the Puget Sound where we would sail to our campsites when camping. While serving in the Air Force in Europe he and Frances would race in road rallies driving in his Alpha Romeo. He even took first place in one of them. Bill and Frances built their retirement home in Hoodsport WA where they have lived for the past 34 years. He loved the view of Hood Canal and enjoyed sitting on his deck watching boats and sea life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Services_Monday, November 2, 2026 Viewing : 11:00 - 11:50 a.m.__Memorial Services: 12:00 Noon__Graveside Servies to follow New Tacoma Cemeteries, Funeral Home and Crematory 9212 Chambers Creek Road W. University Place, WA 98467