Winfred John Stamp

Winfred John Stamp, son of John and Rosa (Reese) Stamp, was born April 16, 1926, on the Stamp home place one mile north of Yutan. He grew up on the farm and attended Yutan Public School graduating as valedictorian in 1943. Winfred’s youth was filled with hard work on the farm, like driving a team and wagon with milk cans to town before school throughout the winter of 1935 as a nine-year-old. He was baptized, confirmed and raised in St. John’s Lutheran Church. In later years, he was an active member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Yutan. After graduation, Winfred was drafted into the United States Army. He never quit being filled with gratitude that WWII came to an end while he was home on furlough after basic training. He was eternally grateful for the sacrifices of all those who served before him. He finished his army service on Okinawa 1945-46, where he cultivated lifelong friendships, learned photographic darkroom skills, and most importantly, corresponded with many family members, friends, and young ladies. He had met one of these young ladies, Marian, dancing at the Millrose Ballroom. Through 160 letters with Marian, they gradually became a couple, a loving relationship that would last a lifetime. Winfred and Marian (Bull) were married on a beautiful, warm day, February 1, 1948, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn. They were blessed with three children, Steve, Janice and Marty. They raised their family for 42 years on the family farm southwest of Yutan before building their new home in town in 1992. Winfred was a dedicated farmer and cattle feeder. He was very handy and could troubleshoot and fix most anything. During his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, building and refinishing furniture, and matting and framing pictures. He also gave many years of community service as an officer and member of the Lutheran Church Council, Yutan School Board, Saunders County Co-op, the Grange, Hollst Lawn Cemetery Board, and American Legion Post 262. He was a 50-year member of the Saunders County Livestock Association where he greatly appreciated the meals, fellowship, and interesting trips. He enjoyed a good book, dancing, and playing cards for hours with family and friends. Winfred never met a stranger. He loved nothing more than an opportunity to engage in conversation. He was very inquisitive and never got too old to learn about new things like using his Apple Watch and Zoom calls on his iPad. His cheerful and optimistic nature made him a friend to many people of all ages. Winfred passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 98 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Marian, parents John and Rose, and sisters Marjorie and Roselyn. He is survived by sons Steven (Suzanne) Stamp of Bennington and Martin (Genevieve) Stamp of Millard, and daughter Janice (Ed) Wiles of Naperville, IL. He has eight grandchildren: Zac (Stephanie) Wiles of Naperville, IL; Niki (Matt) Strotman of Bennington; Elissa (Matt) Bright of Aurora, IL; Kelly (Paul) Hollstein of Norwalk, IA; Cassidy (Michael) Duvall of Chicago, IL; Erika (Skyler Joyce) Stamp of Omaha; Maria (Charlie) Wakeman of El Pescadero, Mexico; and Shaylee Stamp of Lincoln; and ten great-grandchildren. He took great pride in his family and loved hosting large holiday gatherings, filling his house with love and laughter. Winfred often said he had lived a life of no regrets and had too many blessings to count. He told many people, “I want them to bury me with a smile on my face. I’ve had such a wonderful life.” He will be missed by the family, many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Visitation will be 4 to 7pm Friday, February 14 at Reichmuth Funeral Home 21901 West Maple Road in Elkhorn. Funeral Services 10:30am Saturday, February 15, also at the Funeral Home. Lunch will be served at the Yutan VFW Country Club, immediately following funeral and cemetery interment. Start time approximately 12:30-1. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hollst Lawn Cemetery, Yutan, Nebraska, 630 County Road L Yutan, NE 58073

Winfred John Stamp

April 16, 1926 - February 5, 2025