Joe Stalzer

Joseph (Joe) Glenn Stalzer, 49, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joe was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on July 6, 1975, to Dan and Michelle Stalzer. He attended Marshalltown High School and graduated in December 1992. Even in his youth, Joe’s natural charisma drew people to him. He was a leader without trying to be—the centerpiece of many friend groups. Talented across both athletic and creative pursuits, he loved skateboarding, played Bobcat Tennis, was active in the go-kart racing scene, and was a devoted music fan. During his teen years, he was also a standout amateur snowboarder, known across the Midwest for his skill and unique style. His passion for the sport took him far and wide, and in 1992, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to pursue snowboarding professionally while continuing his education.

Joe attended the University of Utah, where he studied business and marketing. While there, he joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and found more than just college buddies—he found lifelong brothers. He served as Grand Master of the Kappa Sigma Chapter in 1996 and as President of the University Interfraternity Council in 1997. But for Joe, titles never mattered. It was the friendships and the deep bonds he formed that meant the most. These relationships became some of the greatest gifts of his life.

In 1996, while attending a wedding in Marshalltown, Joe reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Kara—a reunion that quickly became legendary among family and friends. In 1998, they moved to Colorado to begin building their life together. While there, they bought their first “fixer-upper,” which Joe remodeled from top to bottom. It was the first of many homes he would transform with his own hands into something beautiful.

Joe and Kara were married in Marshalltown in 2001. Eventually, they returned to Iowa to work in the family flooring business. Joe became a deeply respected and well-loved figure among employees, vendors, and customers. With his calm, easygoing demeanor, he could balance multiple priorities and connect with anyone he met. Joe had an entrepreneurial spirit, and in 2013, he pivoted into real estate to pursue his true passion—flipping houses and helping others find their dream home.

He and Kara purchased a second home in northern Iowa to be closer to family. Joe treasured spending time with his brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and their lake friends. He enjoyed wakeboarding, golfing, grilling, and—much to his wife's dismay—making moonshine in the backyard. Together, he and Kara rescued countless dogs over the years and regularly volunteered in their community, delivering meals on holidays, serving food at homeless shelters. He was always helping others in need, often without ever being asked.

Joe’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. He was a gifted unifier, kind and loving, intelligent and humble. Joe had a unique ability to make everyone feel important. His quick wit, infectious humor, and love of fun kept those around him laughing and always enjoying life. In the last few years, Joe met cancer the same way he met life—with strength, dignity, and a smile. His resilience was remarkable, and his optimism never wavered.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Kara Stalzer; his mother, Michelle (Rod Ebersole) Stalzer; his father, Dan (Teri) Stalzer; sister, Monique (Dustin) Hiserote; stepsister, Randi (Jon) Gustason; brother-in-laws, Che (Lisa) Hanson and Hethe (Bekka) Hanson; his nieces and nephews, Davin and Lillee Hiserote; Caleb (Trisha) Hanson, Cassie (Tristan) McDonald, Chloe Hanson, Caden Hanson, Camden Hanson, Ike Pille, Rachel (TJ) Stumpf, Seth Pille; Zach (Anna) Phillips; Austin and Allie Gustason, as well as several great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Glenn and Annabelle Stalzer, Don and Evelyn Elliott Brown, Richard Holley, his mother-in-law, Kathy Moore, uncles Denny Decker and Jim Holley; and the many dogs he loved over the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Iowa Tap Room Events in The Marquette Room. Visitation with family will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 12:00 PM. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served afterward as we gather to remember and honor a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com