James L. Staehli

James L. Staehli, 78, died April 20, 2026 at his home in Topeka.

He was born July 18, 1947 in Soldier, KS, the son of Carl and Gertrude Sumner Staehli. He was a 1965 graduate of Soldier High School. He also received a Batchelor of Arts degree from Washburn University in 1975.

He married Shari Dreher on June 20, 1970 in Topeka; and they enjoyed 50 years of married life before her death on July 4, 2020.

Jim was employed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a Research Analyst for 36 years, retiring on November 1, 2013.

Jim is survived by his brother, Phil Staehli, Cleveland, Texas; nephews Sean Staehli (Kim), Warren, Texas; and Dillon Dreher (Michelle Albano), Kansas City, Missouri; and niece Lindy Brewer (Jeff), Topeka.

Other family members preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Gary Staehli; and brother-in-law, Michael Dreher.

Jim was an avid sportsman. He especially enjoyed pheasant hunting and was a member of Pheasants Forever for many years. He had an impressive knife collection. His favorite sports teams were the Kansas City Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks. He also loved cats and he and Shari had many precious fur babies over the years.

Jim was cremated. Inurnment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka at a later date. There are no services planned at this time.