Joseph Edward Stadler, 88, died Wednesday, Oct. 17 after a brief illness at Oak Valley Hospital.

He was born in Manteca to Robert Stadler and Juliana Dunst Stadler, who had emigrated from Switzerland and Austria to the U.S. He lived in Manteca until the family bought rural property in 1940 in Oakdale, where he graduated from Oakdale High School and farmed until the end of his life.

Mr. Stadler enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Infantry on Okinawa during World War II.

He is survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Brichetto of Oakdale, Marianne Orvis of Farmington, Josephine Stadler of San Rafael, Rosemarie Swain of Fresno, Barbara (Ed) Gookin of Milton, Catherine (Luis) Leiva of San Francisco; brothers, John (Raylyn) Stadler of Fox Island, Wash., Carl (Margaret) Stadler of Oakdale; and 30 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Robert G. Stadler; and sister, Caroline Baley.

The family plans a private memorial gathering.