In loving memory of

Donald H. Stoffels
November 12, 1931 - October 10, 2017

Madison - Don Stoffels, age 85, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. He was born on November 12, 1931, in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Herbert R. and Dorothea M. (Zorn) Stoffels. He married Diane A. Hupke on February 12, 1955 in Chicago.
He is survived by sons: Dave (Amy), Doug (Mary), and Dale (Brenda); grandchildren: Derek, Dan, Tyler, Carson, Shane, and Brianna Stoffels, Jessica (Billy) Peregrine, Derek (Tara) Barica, Andy Jones, Ryan and Allison Bailey, and Taylor (Patrick) Merida; and several step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane, his parents, and his brother, Bob.

Don was a leading member of the advertising community in Madison for over 50 years, owning and managing his agency and as an adjunct professor emeritus in the UW School of Journalism. He was active in the Madison Advertising Federation, receiving their Silver Medal award in 1980. He loved to coach teams of students from the university in advertising campaign competitions against teams from other universities across the country, taking numerous teams to the national finals. 'Donzo' had a passion for being outdoors and hiking in nature, as well as volunteering at the nature center in Devil's Lake State Park.

A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison. Family will greet friends after 3:30 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Devil's Lake, PO Box 209, Baraboo, WI, 53913.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com


Cress Center
6021 University Ave. Madison
(608) 238-8406

Tributes

Lois Weiland wrote on Oct 16, 2017:

"What a guy! Fun to be around. Got to know Don through Madison Ad Fed. He was most welcoming when I became the executive director in 1987. Got to see him and his NSAC teams at 8th District AND nationals. Enjoyed going out to eat with Don because of course, it had to be Smokey's for a martini and a steak. Will truly miss him."

Tom Gerds wrote on Oct 15, 2017:

"My deepest sympathies to the Stoffels family. Don was perhaps the most influential professor in my education, he was our advisor when we won the AAF student competition for UW Madison in 1985. I will always cherish my memories of his spirit and enthusiasm, he will always hold a special place in my memories of UW Madison. Tom Gerds "

Sue Stangby Sveum wrote on Oct 15, 2017:

"I wanted to share with you what a huge impact Don made on my life. He was my first professor after switching my major to Journalism. His class was informative and fun and his encouragement invaluable. Under his guidance, I pursued a career in Journalism and thanks to him and a great recommendation, landed my first job (with no real world experience). My thoughts are with you -- I know he'll be greatly missed"

Peter and Jean Mortenson wrote on Oct 12, 2017:

"We were fortunate to see Don for a few minutes just a few weeks ago. He was an innovative, talented, and honest business partner. Our sympathies to the Stoffel's family. Peter and Jean Mortenson"

John Henderson wrote on Oct 11, 2017:

"I have a few people in my life that shaped me into who I am today. Don was on of the most important ones. He was my professor at the university. He was my boss when I graduated. He helped me when I started out on my own. He then became my boss for the second time. He was my friend. I will miss him! My prayers go out to his boys and their families. You had a wonderful father, grand father and friend. John Henderson"

Bob Klein wrote on Oct 11, 2017:

"I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the entire family. Don was my teacher, my mentor. But most of all he was my friend. Don influenced my life in countless ways and the lives of literally thousands of his students and colleagues. Don is a huge part of who I am today. His spirit will live on forever, continuing to inspiring me to try and emulate the kind, caring, giving and selfless person he was. In blessed memory, Bob Klein"