Loren Stiner

We write this about our dad and stepdad Loren Lee Stiner, and we hope our words will do him justice.

It has been said many times of Loren that if you asked him the time, he would tell you how to make a watch. Hereto, if you ask us about his life, we must tell you about the man.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, but the love for his family and gentle nature was what set him apart from most ordinary men. After meeting Tess, he took on the challenge of co-parenting his two teenage daughters, Laurie and Linnea, along with Tess's four children, Toy, Holly, Heidi, and John. With his hands and heart full, he survived like a champ, standing fast in his convictions and disciplining with love. Laurie and Linnea remember their dad in the early years, building them each a red barn out of a huge box for school and often taking them fishing. One of his favorite stories to tell the grandkids (and anyone who would listen) is how he tried to sell Toy, Holly, and Heidi for a nickel (a good deal if you ask me!), and taking John to shoot his first (and only) turkey on Grandpa's ranch, a special moment indeed as John was "his only boy in a house full of girls"�. We were all so very blessed to have him in our lives, however his biggest gift to us was how he loved our children.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren became a big part of Poppy's life, staying over many nights in anticipation of his famous pancake breakfast, made-to-order, of course. He even added a desk in his office for the kids so they could work� alongside him. His walls were adorned with their artwork, cards, and silly notes quickly making him one of the largest collectors of children's art in the entire world! From the tire swing (that he pushed for hours) to the forts and tree houses (three in total) to sitting on the floor putting together puzzles, Poppy was there, waiting for just the right moment to become the tickle monster and attack. He always took time to make them feel special.

Aside from his family, Loren touched the lives of many with his silly humor and one-liners. He would answer his door with, I gave at the office�, and laugh as though it was the first time he had said it, then welcome you with a hug. As many of you know, Loren was a DIY expert before there was DIY, using non- traditional methods to reinvent the wheel. We think he single-handedly made duct tape the success it is today. However, by trade, Loren was a real estate instructor and appraiser, and armed with a Mapsco, he always knew the perfect long-cut. In fact, he would often go the long way in order to see more slug bugs - a favorite game with the kids.

Aside from his loving spirit, the wonderful things that made Loren (Poppy) who he was are too many to name: ice cream. nachos. blueberry pie. hats. Hawaiian shirts. sweat bands. duct tape and wire. boxes galore. planting trees - everywhere. maps, maps, and more maps. office supplies. fossils. stories. and having little known facts about A LOT of things.

We are all so thankful to have had Loren in our lives, he touched each of us in a very unique and compelling way. And from knowing him, we are certain of two things: He had the power to change traffic lights with the clap of his hands and snap of his fingers AND he had the power to touch the heart of everyone who met him with his funny remarks and loving heart.

We love you Poppy. You are missed.

Now, we're off like a herd of turtles ...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loren Lee Stiner was born March 9, 1936 in Frankfort, Kansas to Merle and Nellie Stiner. Died August 30, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas at Kindred Hospice. After attending one year of college, Loren joined the Air Force to see the world and ended up in San Antonio at Lackland Airforce Base. There he met his wife Ruth and had two daughters (Laurie and Linnea). During the next chapter of his life Loren met and married his second wife, Tess, while teaching real estate classes. Loren spent the next 37 years raising his two daughters and the four children that came with Tess.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Linnea and Ross), one brother-in-law (Bill), and his first wife (Ruth). He is survived by his wife, Tess; two daughters and their spouses, Laurie & Carl Kardokus of Indiana and Linnea & Brian Dunn of San Antonio; stepchildren and their spouses, Toy & Ned Brand of Canada, Holly & Brady Urbanek of San Antonio, Heidi & Mike McCullick of San Antonio, and John Winkler of San Antonio. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Justin, Sarah, Candyce, Jace, Jack, Evelyn, Jacqueline, and Kate, and 4 great grandchildren: Blaine, Elise, Caraline, and Korbin; his brother John & wife Dorothy, his sister Marilyn, and his sister-in-law Sharon.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to:
Grace Point Church, Red Bowl Missions Fund,
9750 Huebner Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78240.

Alzheimer's Association
San Antonio & South Texas Chapter
MAC 37 Building 10223 McAllister Freeway, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78216

Online: http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp