William "Fred" Stultz

Fred was a selfless, kind, and caring man, who gave people his full attention and was always genuinely interested in hearing about how you were doing.  You could count on him to listen, reflect, and engage in conversation without pre-judgement or prejudice, no matter your personal beliefs or way of life.

Fred passed away peacefully at his historic family ranch home on Oak Creek Grade in Canon City, CO on August 21st, 2024, at the age of 77.  A day before his seventy eighth birthday, with his wife Gloria at his side.  Gloria and Fred met in Canon City during High School over a quick glance across the bleachers during a Friday night basketball game.  Gloria, always intuitive and prescient, proceeded to spend the next day curling her hair with the expectation that Fred would ask her out on a date that Saturday night.  Sure enough, Fred called and set in motion the beginning of a relationship that lasted over six decades. 

Fred (William Frederick Stultz III) was born in Canon City on August 22nd, 1946, to Bill and Barbara Stultz. After marrying Gloria, he pursued his college education at Southern Colorado State College (later called Colorado State University Pueblo), Harvard, and Purdue where he obtained his PhD in December of 1974.  During that time Fred and Gloria were busy raising a family of their own.  During his career as a college professor, he held teaching positions at the University of Iowa, Ohio State University, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  He would later in life return to Colorado State University Pueblo to teach and hold the position as the Director of Student Counseling.  While living in Los Osos, CA during his tenure at Cal Poly, he enjoyed family outings that included surfing and camping at Jalama Beach, clamming at Pismo Beach, hiking in Big Sur, canoeing in Morro Bay and abalone hunting in the tide pools of Montaña de Oro State Park.  It is no wonder all his children have a love of the outdoors!   

Fred was preceded in death by his father Bill, his mother Barbara, and his daughter Stephanie Marie Stultz, in 1967.  He is survived by his wife Gloria, brother Greg (Joyce), son John (Karen), Jeff (Sue), and Steve Stultz.  He relished his role as Papa, Grampa, and Uncle to Shannah, Mindy (Sandy), Michelle, Michael (Christine), Adrianne (Derek), Quincy, Keith, Matt (Monique), Brantley, Chris, Lilly, Amelia, Grant, Luke, and Davin. 

He will be greatly missed.  Fred brought much joy into the world and challenged us all to confront change with an open mind and heart.  His 2012 book collaboration with Barbara Hadley titled “If Not Joy Now, Then When” was an opportunity to co-create content and share experiences that encouraged readers to “live a life you want, to discover inner joy, and to establish truly meaningful relationships.”  Fred was always looking for ways to further knowledge of the self and help others do the same.   

Donations can be made in his honor to the Boys and Girls Club in Canon City. A graveside service will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Lakeside Cemetery in Canon City, CO.

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