David “Dave” John Stoudt, 61, of Boulder, CO, formerly of Morrison, IL, died on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his home.
Dave was born August 9, 1962, in Clinton, IA, to Penelope R. “Penny” (Hill) and John G. “Jack” Stoudt. He was educated in the Morrison schools, where he participated in Football, Wrestling, and Chess. He attended Northern Illinois University where he studied Philosophy, with special emphasis on Political Philosophy, as he worked toward his Master’s degree. Dave married Heather Carr and together they had two amazing daughters. He worked various jobs over the years and enjoyed staying busy, whether it was painting, or being a rural mail carrier and taxi driver in Iowa City, IA. He was confirmed at Church of Saint Anne-Episcopal in Morrison. Dave actively participated in Alcoholics Anonymous both in Morrison and Colorado, where he touched countless lives through sponsorship and outreach efforts, including his work with inmates at Whiteside County Jail. Dave held dear his memories of the family 5-acre farmette, where they had an orchard he had planted and lots of beloved animals –Clementine, the miniature donkey, was forever one of his favorites. He had a great love of animals and received immense love from them in return. When Dave moved west, he loved living in Boulder, CO, and was happy to be in a big city. He always appreciated the simple things, like a cheese omelet from the Village Coffee Shop in Boulder or a hot roast beef sandwich from KJ’s in downtown Morrison. “New Speedway Boogie” was often a song he would perform at Clyde’s Open Stage in Dekalb, IL. He had an appreciation for The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and many more greats. Their music could often be heard coming from his home or car. He loved following both Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead, attending well over 50 Dead shows!
He was a philosopher at heart, always questioning the “why” behind the intricacies of this life. Dave consistently stayed up to date on the latest news and was very politically aware. He had a passion for movement toward a more just society; [he was] always ready to stand tall in the face of power in defense of the downtrodden. He was proud of Stoudt v The State of Illinois, which set a precedent for peoples’ acceptable forms of protest. He was also quite proud of the “Day of Action 2.” Dave was a man of many talents. He found joy in expressing his creativity through playing guitar, writing, exploring family genealogy, locksmithing, and indulging in his love for miniature trains. He once wrote a special poem for his parents which they would recite each year on their anniversary.
Dave truly thrived outdoors, he loved camping, traveling, and road trips but above all, he loved spending time with his girls. He cherished their traditions, like their annual camping trip in the mountains and attending Dead & Co. shows at Folsom Field in Boulder every summer, never missing a show. David was young at heart, and some of his biggest fans were Lila’s friends, who lovingly called him “Pops.” They adored him and saw him as a second father.
Left to miss him are his beloved daughters, Violet Stoudt of Denver, CO, and Lila Grayce Stoudt of Boulder; his dear sisters, Elizabeth “Liz” LoBello of Parker, CO, and Jen Stoudt of Loveland, CO; niece and nephew, Brianna and Dominic LoBello; aunt, Gloria Coryn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Penelope R. “Penny” and John G. “Jack” Stoudt.
His Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
A Visitation will precede the service from 12:30 p.m., until the time of the Funeral.
A private family Graveside Service will be held at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A memorial has been established in Dave’s name to support Lila’s higher education and nature conservation.
You are invited to join family and friends who will be gathered at Manny’s Too in Fulton, IL, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., following David’s Services.