Luigi Stasi, 91, of Oelwein passed away Saturday March 9, 2024, at Oelwein Healthcare Center. Rosary Services will begin at 2:45 PM on Sunday March 17, at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein. Visitation will then follow from 3:00-6:00 PM at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM on Monday March 18 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with Fr. Ray Atwood officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.
Luigi Dominic Stasi was born in Oelwein on August 14, 1932 to parents Giuseppe and Manina (Pisano) Stasi. He graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1952. On June 22, 1957 he was united in marriage with Colleen O’Brien at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City. Luigi was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
Luigi Stasi grew up on the west side of Oelwein alongside many fellow Italian immigrants. He spent several years after high school traveling the country working odd jobs before coming back to his hometown where he met his future wife Colleen O’Brien, sister to Sheila O’Brien (wife of Luigi’s brother Pete). In 1957, Luigi and Colleen were married and after a few years of working as a tire salesman in Rochester, MN they decided to return to their roots and raise their growing family in Oelwein. In his travels, Luigi was able to save up a modest amount of money. And with the assistance of a local banker, Luigi took a chance on himself, creating Luigi’s Restaurant. Although modest in its beginnings (starting out the size of a small ice cream shop), Luigi was able to grow his namesake to becoming a NE Iowa Institution touching the lives of countless families through the decades.
Luigi’s greatest enjoyment in life has always been caring for his family, both immediate and extended. He and Colleen devoted their entire lives to raising their six kids. Luigi was never shy about sharing his countless lectures, and although they may have seemed to fall on deaf ears at the time of delivery, have gone on to shape each of his children's lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.
In a world where family has become less and less of a focus with increasingly fast paced everyday lives, Luigi and Colleen modeled a beautiful example of what family could and should be.
Left to celebrate Luigi’s life are his children: Michael (Deb Sypal) Stasi of Omaha, NE, Michelle (John) Moran of Cedar Rapids, Mindy (Bruce) Shelangoski of Cedar Rapids, Marni (Steve) Heisler of Cedar Rapids, Marty (Tammy) Stasi of Oelwein and Matt (Bylle) Stasi of Los Angeles, CA; his grandchildren: Cassandra (Steve), Garret (Danielle), Lucas (Lika), Christina (Adam), Heather (Aaron), Bryan (Brenna), Matthew, Zach (Becky), McKenna (Luke), Nicholas and Natalie; his great-grandchildren: Gavin, Gabby, Ellie, Esten, Camden, Adi, Harper, Declan, Isla and Myla; his siblings: John Stasi and Theresa Stasi; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Lou is also survived by several beloved Stasi cousins living in Italy. He especially enjoyed sharing FaceTime visits with them.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Colleen; his son in infancy, Marti Jo; his siblings: Pete, Rose, and Kathryn.
He will be terribly missed but never forgotten.
