Obituaries

Dale E (Chip, Kyle) Stolldorf Jr, died unexpectedly yet peacefully at home on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 with his partner Kevin by his side. Dale was born in Woodstock, Illinois on June 3rd, 1961 to Dale E and Judith A (nee Stieg) Stolldorf.

Dale married Cyndi Lawrence on August 15th, 1981. Although their marriage ended after 32 years, they remained the best of friends and an integral part of each other's lives. Their union resulted in one child, Cheryl A Stolldorf born on 1/31/83.

Dale was always an entrepreneur. As a child he ran garage sales, so it was natural when he opened the 1905 Emporium in Richmond IL in 1986. The Emporium was a three story antique store that boasted the largest collection of antique advertising in the United States. A boast that was never challenged and Dale became a recognized expert in antique advertising and this remained a lifelong passion. He quickly opened the 1901 Emporium antique store in Woodstock IL in 1987. He operated these successful stores for the next 17 years.

In 2000 Dale made a significant life change and began studying at Luther Rice College and Seminary with the goal of becoming a pastor and counselor and was ordained in 2002. Then, in 2006, with a group of dedicated individuals, the Delavan theater was purchased and renovated to become The River church. Dale became the lead pastor and for the next 7 years he dedicated himself fully to the church and its mission. He took great pride in the contributions he and others made in several mission trips to Oahu, Hawaii focusing specifically on the town of Wahiawa.

In 2013, Dale made another significant life change by moving to Madison and returning to his retail roots. He opened Pieces Unimagined on Williamson St; the store focused on custom industrial modern furniture and home decor. At its height, Dale worked with over 30 artists throughout Wisconsin. He cherished being on “Willy St” and loved the funky vibe and working with the many other merchants that made Willy St a retail destination. He was devastated when he had to close the store in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. He loved his adopted hometown of Madison and especially held dear the many great friendships he made at Woofs and Busses.

Dale is survived by his partner of 10 years, Kevin J Schmidtke, his father, Dale E Stolldorf, daughter, Cheryl A Stolldorf and sister, Kris L Stolldorf Linhart. He is further survived by his nieces, Jessica and Jordan and nephews, James and Ryan and great nephews, Derik and Damien and great niece, Sklyar.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Judith A Stolldorf and his son-in-law, Corey R Crabtree.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at VFW Post 8483 in Madison from 1:00pm - 5:00pm.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257