Joe D. Stufflebeam, age 74, of Brighton, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona, Iowa, following a one-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

A time to celebrate Joe’s life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Lake Darling Lodge. Memorials have been established for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Hunter Education Program and Brighton First Responders. Online condolences may be sent for Joe’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Joe was born on October 30, 1951, in Bloomfield, Iowa, the son of Dale and Mary (Barnett) Stufflebeam. He lived at Lake Wapello until age seven, when his family relocated to Pleasantville, Iowa. There, he attended a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1969. He remained an active member of the Pleasantville Alumni Association for many years. Joe later attended Iowa State University, where he was a member of Alpha Chi Rho fraternity. On January 24, 1976, he was united in marriage to Marlene Johnston in Mystic, Iowa.

Joe spent his entire adult life in Brighton. He worked as a journeyman tool and die maker, retiring from HON in Muscatine. In his free time, Joe enjoyed gardening and was known as a hosta aficionado. He also enjoyed woodworking, especially refinishing old furniture, fishing, and treasure hunting at auctions. Above all else, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Marlene Stufflebeam of Brighton, Iowa; daughter, Bethany (Jeremy) Horning of Oxford, Iowa; son, Cameron (Shannan) Stufflebeam of Ankeny, Iowa; son, Chancey (Sarah) Stufflebeam of Marion, Iowa; six grandchildren: Cooper (Justin) Booth, Chase Horning, Jeneva and Izzy Garretson, and Orion and Nia Stufflebeam; his brother, John Stufflebeam; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister, Rachel Jean; and infant twin children.