In Loving Memory of Allen Eugene Stai

Allen Eugene Stai, age 100, passed away peacefully on July 13th, 2026, leaving behind a century of memories, service, perseverance, and unconditional love for his family.

Allen was born on February 19, 1926, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Olaf and Inga (Peterson) Stai. The ninth of eleven children, he grew up during the Great Depression on rented farms throughout western Wisconsin. Life was simple, money was scarce, and every day required hard work. He often shared memories of walking a mile to the White Block School, riding home by horse-drawn sleigh during harsh Wisconsin winters, hearing a radio for the very first time, and watching the world slowly change around him. Those early years instilled in him a quiet humility, an unwavering work ethic, and a deep appreciation for life's simplest blessings.

Following World War II, Allen answered his country's call to serve. After helping his parents keep the family farm running while several of his brothers served overseas, he enlisted in the United States Army as an infantry soldier and later transferred to the Army Air Corps, attaining the rank of Corporal. His military service took him first to occupied Japan and later to Korea, where he witnessed both the devastation left by war and the incredible resilience of those rebuilding their lives. He returned home in 1947, grateful for the opportunity to serve and forever appreciative of the freedoms so many had sacrificed to protect.

Determined to continue his education despite leaving high school early, Allen earned his diploma equivalency before attending Dunn County Normal School and later graduating from Eau Claire with a teaching degree. His commitment to learning never stopped, and he later earned his Master's Degree in Administration from UW-Superior. He believed education was one of the greatest gifts a person could receive, and he devoted his life to passing that gift on to others.

Education became Allen's life's work.

Over a remarkable 35-year career, Allen served as a teacher, principal, mentor, and leader in Wisconsin schools. Beginning in Bruce, he taught seventh- and eighth-grade science before becoming principal. He later taught in Menomonie before accepting the position of Elementary Principal in Colfax, where he spent much of his career helping shape the lives of countless students, encouraging teachers, and strengthening his community. Though many knew him as "Mr. Stai" or "Principal Stai," he considered helping children grow into good people to be his greatest professional accomplishment.

In 1954, Allen married the love of his life, Eunice Kraft, at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. Together they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and family. They raised three daughters-Kimberly, Kayetta, and Karen-while restoring an old farmhouse in rural Colfax into the home they always dreamed of. They found joy in country living, where deer wandered through the yard, birds filled the feeders, and weekends were spent enjoying the beauty of western Wisconsin.

Their family faced unimaginable adversity in 1971 when a devastating automobile accident nearly claimed several lives and left Eunice with severe traumatic injuries. Allen himself suffered significant injuries but later wrote of a profound spiritual experience during his recovery, believing God had spared his life so he could continue caring for his family. Through determination, faith, and the incredible support of relatives, friends, neighbors, and the Colfax community, they rebuilt their lives together. It was one of the greatest examples of Allen's quiet strength, resilience, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

After retiring in 1987, Allen and Eunice spent many happy years traveling throughout the country in their motorhome, fishing, camping, and making memories together. Later in life, he fulfilled lifelong dreams by visiting Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Washington, D.C., through the Freedom Flight for Veterans, and Alaska. Though he appreciated seeing the world, nowhere was more important to him than being surrounded by family.

Allen was a man who found joy in life's simple moments-a peaceful morning, a fishing pole in hand, wildlife outside his window, conversations with family, or watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. He witnessed a century of extraordinary change, from horse-drawn sleighs and kerosene lanterns to the modern world, yet remained the same humble, grateful man throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Eunice; his parents, Olaf and Inga Stai; his brothers Francis (Ann), Orrin (Bertha), Glenn (Carol), Bill (Phyllis), Earl (Marie), Vaughn (Ruth Ann), and Lee (Betty); his sisters Ilene (Bud) and Avis (Hank); and his faithful companion, Turbo, who held a special place in his heart.

Allen is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kimberly Hintz (Dale), Kayetta Busch (Tim), and Karen Teige; his grandchildren, Hope Davis (Steve), Matthew Summ (Shane), Lindsay Zenz (Jason), Tucker Teige (Cynthia), and Treyton Teige; his cherished great-grandchildren, Corbin Hintz, Mason Zenz, Ayden Zenz, Landyn, and Harrison Zenz; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Those who knew Allen know that his journey was far greater than he ever gave himself credit for. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a proud veteran, an educator who inspired generations of students, and a man whose quiet strength and kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Near the end of his autobiography, he wrote for his family, Allen reflected on his life with characteristic humility. Despite the hardships he experienced, he chose to focus on the blessings. His story concluded with a simple sentence that perfectly reflected the man he was:

"Thanks to Eunice and the girls, it was a great journey."

A century may seem like a long time, but for those who loved Allen, it still wasn't long enough. Allen spent his life quietly investing in others-family, students, friends, and community- never seeking recognition for the difference he made. Because of that, his story does not end here. It lives on in the lives he shaped, the lessons he taught, the values he passed on, and the family he loved so deeply. His legacy will continue to reach far beyond a single lifetime, reminding us that the greatest measure of a person is not how long they live, but how many lives they make better along the way.

Thank you to the staff at St Croix Hospice, Colfax Senior Living, and Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, July 23 at Colfax Lutheran Church, 601 River Street, Colfax, WI. Visitation will be held from 5pm - 7pm Wednesday, July, 22, at Sampson Funeral Home, 1017 Railroad Ave., Colfax, WI and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors by conducted by Russell-Toycen American Legion Post 131 after the service. Online condolences may be shared at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Colfax Public Library.