David L. Stutenroth

A visitation for David L. Stutenroth, 75, Lawrence, KS, is scheduled Friday, October 17, 2025 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS, from 2:00 ~ 3:00 PM, with a funeral service starting at 3:00 PM. (Jeans and casual attire strongly suggested!)

David was born November 30, 1949, in Denver, Colorado, the son of Oscar L. and Dorothy (Millier) Stutenroth. He married Judy Johnson Thomas on July 3, 1980, in rural Douglas County, and she survives of the home. Other survivors include sister-in-law, Elna Johnson Paiva (Brian): brother-in-law, Todd Johnson (Jennifer); one niece and two nephews; and three cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law, Mildred Johnson, his father-in-law and stepmother-in-law, Dr. C.L. and Betty Johnson, and two cousins.

David loved his childhood in Idaho Springs, having fun with his dear friends and spending time in Colorado’s beautiful mountains and waters. After the geographical shock of moving from the mountains to the flatter landscape around Ellinwood, Kansas, he loved his high school years spent with new and long-lasting friends he made there. He attended classes at KU and fell in love with Lawrence, Kansas. Like many KU students, he stayed in Lawrence for the rest of his life. He worked many years as a systems analyst for Maupintour, and his work there often involved interesting travels, including an extended period in Brussels, Belgium. He also worked at Lawrence Paper Company.

His life took several interesting turns, including guiding a group of KU students on a canoe trip that ended with “surfing” a sudden rise in the river level due to heavy rains. He also served for a time as a “roadie” for the Fabulous Flippers, a famous Lawrence rock & roll band in the 1960s and ‘70s who performed in cities throughout the Midwest and whose records were popular on rock & roll radio stations in the Midwest. (The Flippers reunited in 2001 to perform at the Inaugural Ball of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. David and Judy attended that Ball and got to experience the Fabulous Flippers’ music all over again.)

He met his wife, Judy, in 1979, and they were married in 1980. They shared so many fun times, like canoeing and camping and traveling. They spent many vacations in Colorado, and their favorite trip was to Scotland and England, joining their dear friend, Richard Hagen, for travels into Holland, Germany, and Austria. David said recently that meeting Judy and spending the rest of his life with her were the best years of his life. Judy always said that David had the sweetest spirit of anyone she had ever known. He will be sadly missed by all of his friends and loved ones.

Judy would like to thank LMH Staff for the excellent care David received there, especially the kind, caring Palliative Care Team. David was able to express his own gratitude near the end of his life, and it was wonderful to see him relaxed and comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lawrence Humane Society or to a charity of the donor's choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.