Raymond Joseph Stoffel, 83, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away just moments after his wife, Nancie (Reed) Stoffel, assured him it was okay to let go on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Hospice House, Hiawatha, Iowa. Nancie humorously remarked that it was the first time he didn't procrastinate after she gave him a directive'a testament to their enduring and playful bond. Born on April 9, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Nicholas and Viola (Lucy) Stoffel, Raymond grew up on 12th Street SE, enjoying a sandlot-like childhood filled with friends, games, and the kind of camaraderie only found in close-knit neighborhoods. Those early years shaped a lifelong love for community and connection. Raymond married the love of his life, Nancie, in 1962, and they shared a life of adventure. Their dates were nothing short of epic'watching planes take off and land at the airport or parking outside the drive-in and convincing the closest car to turn up their speakers. Like his father before him, Raymond's wallet famously creaked when he opened it, but his generosity of spirit more than made up for it. He retired from a long career at General Electric, starting in the parts department, growing to the Manager of Services and Parts Center, to a Sales Manager for the Western Region. He retired to Dubuque, where Raymond and Nancie owned Truffles to Ruffles, and he served as the unofficial mayor of Cable Car Square. Their retirement adventure continued to Denver, Colorado, and Mountain Home, Arkansas, before eventually ending up back home in Cedar Rapids. Raymond's life reflected his deep commitment to family, unwavering work ethic, and love for storytelling. Ask anyone about the history of Naso's Pizza (today known as Leonardo's), where he worked in the early 1950s, and you'll hear a tale full of humor, heart, and history. Honoring his legacy of warmth, kindness, and wit, Raymond is survived by his wife, children, Stacie (Eric) Johnson, Debbie (Shawn) Stoffel-Conner, Nikki (Duane) Neuenkirk, and Christopher Stoffel; daughter-in-law, Stacy Stoffel; grandchildren, Stephanie (Ryan) Johnson-Wall, Chad (Megan) Johnson, Brittnie (Bryan) Kreutzer, Andrew Neuenkirk, Devon Stoffel, Kayla (James Tait) Stoffel, Brynna (Darrell Bueno) Stoffel, Desiree Mercado, Tara Mercado, Tori Mercado, and Spencer (Adrianne Novak) Stoffel; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Virginia Pilcher, and Rita (Roger) Sockman; and many nieces and nephews. Raymond was welcomed to the afterlife by his parents, son, Patrick Stoffel; son-in-law, Chris Tanko; brother-in-law, Kenneth Pilcher; and many of his beloved friends. A celebration of life will be hosted the weekend following his birthday in April 2025. Raymond, a quiet giant, requested no formal services at the time of his passing. Instead, his family shared one of his favorite meals, Leonardo's famous stromboli pizza. The family encourages everyone to do the same, raising a slice to the man who touched so many lives. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness in Raymond's memory so the world continues to grow a little brighter because of him. Raymond, your spirit lives on in every laugh, every story, and every act of love. Rest easy, Dad, and enjoy the afterlife!