Thomas J Stolz, MD, 77, of West Lafayette, began life September 16, 1939 in Jay County, IN and died February 12, 2017 at St.Vincent Inpatient Hospice Center. He endured and thrived through numerous cancers, the most recent being a brain tumor in 2013 and ultimately with pancreatic cancer in 2017.

Tom was the first of three children born to humble dairy farmers, Charles and Eleanor Talbert Stolz. His parents taught him a strong work ethic and to value relationships. With this background, he left the farm to be the first in his family to pursue a higher education. He graduated from Purdue University in Electrical Engineering and Indiana University with a Doctorate in Medicine. He emulated his mother's care, compassion, generosity for others and his love for rural life as clearly seen through his 50 years as a Family Doctor in Otterbein, IN. Tom followed his father's love for aviation as a private pilot himself and put that love into his practice. He became an Aviation Medical Examiner for pilots that would came from surrounding states for their FAA license physicals.

Tom had a subtle wit and a love for story telling. He held a special appreciation for Veterans and enjoyed preserving and collecting their stories, vehicles and artifacts especially the ones that went BOOM. Tom was an Air Force Airman 2nd class in his youth and retired as a Major in the Indiana National Guard Reserve-Medical Corps. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 38. Most recently he enjoyed the fellowship of the Rotary Club of Lafayette and he was a long time member of Federated Church where he served on numerous boards including endowments and trustees. He will be remembered most for his unexpected acts of kindness towards his family, friends, colleagues, patients and even strangers. His greatest achievement in the end was his dedication to family and community.

His courageous and adventurous life will forever be cherished in the lives of his beloved wife of 43 years, Melinda Suzanne Memering Stolz, his four children: Barbara Stolz, Bob (Kristin) Stolz, Debbie (Bill) Hibbard, and Sandie (Reg) McBreairty, his siblings: Judy Meyer and Jim (Judy) Stolz, his nine grandchildren: Joshua Stolz; Don and David Stolz; Lauryn, Jordan and Kendra Hibbard and Thomas, Megan and Ben McBreairty, his three GREAT Grandchildren: Ayden and Cody Menges and Katarina Hibbard, mother-in-law: Bonnie Memering and sister-in-law: Kathy Truelson. Tom is preceded in death by both of his loving and proud parents.

Visitation hours are 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2017 at The Federated Church of West Lafayette. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tom's family invites friends, family, former patients and colleagues to share stories and memories in the church fellowship hall. There will be a private family interment prior to the Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18th at Federated Church with Pastor John Williams officiating. Family and Friends Funeral Home Wingate is assisting his family. Memorial contributions may be given to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of St. Louis in support of Tom's grandson David Stolz who was born with and contributes to fund raising efforts. You may visit this link to make a memorial contribution, https://tribute.tributecff.org/tjstolz Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence. Tom's family wishes to thank his care providers at, Clarian Arnett Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis and St.Vincent Inpatient Hospice Center.