Layton Ray Stadheim

Layton Ray Stadheim of Andover, Minnesota passed away peacefully at home the morning of September 25, 2024, at the age of 79.

Layton was born August 24, 1945, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Blanche Verna and Elner Ole. He grew up with brothers John (Lonnie), David (Linda), sisters Nila (Jim) and Coralyn (Gary). He attended high school at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, and graduated in 1963. Layton studied forestry at South Dakota State University. 

Layton married Joan in 1965 and had daughter Gretchen and son Jamie. 

Ultimately, he found happiness driving city bus in Minneapolis for 35 years, saying he enjoyed the adventure of learning the city and meeting interesting people.

In 1982, Layton met and fell in love with Peggy Jane, who also had two children from a previous marriage, Joseph and Elizabeth. In 1988, Layton and Peggy married at Waimea Falls Park in Hawaii, surrounded by family. They have returned to HI eight times since, enjoying travel there with family as well. Over 36 years of marriage, Layton and Peggy have enjoyed spending their time traveling, fishing, hunting and spending time with family. Together, they turned a few acres into beautiful gardens and a wildlife sanctuary. For 15 years, they helped to rescue, rehabilitate, and release a multitude of orphaned or injured wildlife through the MN DNR Wildlife Rehabilitation Program. 

In the past decade, they have also enjoyed trips to Norway, Costa Rica, Mexico, Bahamas, Honduras, and several cross-country roadtrips in the US.      

Layton will be remembered for his smiling face, sense of humor, and his love of the squirrels, birds, and deer in his backyard. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and watching sports. For several years he enjoyed playing on the city softball league, and weekly bowling league. His friends would remember the rousing good times during many fishing and hunting trips. His best friend, Chris, was an important part of his life, and they spent many hours outdoors on such trips. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Blanche Verna, father Elner Ole, sister Nila Riemann, brother-in-law Jim Riemann,  brother John Stadheim, and sister-in-law Lonnie Stadheim, and brother-in-law Robert Wolvert.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Stadheim; brother, David Stadheim (Linda); sister, Coralyn Zimmerman (Gary); son, Jamie; daughter, Gretchen; stepson Joseph Stopka (Shanna), grandson Phoenix Stopka; stepdaughter Elizabeth Goodman, in-laws Faye Wolvert, John and Pam Schlemmer, Terry and Stacy Hirschi, Scott and Lori Hirschi, Jennifer Hirschi, and many extended family members.

A memorial will be held on Monday October 7 from 1-4 at Miller Funeral Home located at 6210 Highway 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432.