Ian M. Stickler passed away Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Boise. Born July 15, 1969, to Jim and Yvonne Stickler, he was raised in Lewiston.
After graduating from Lewiston High School, Ian enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served his country and fellow soldiers as a corpsman and field medic. After the military, Ian lived in Hawaii where he continued helping others as a patient technician at a psychiatric hospital.
Upon returning to Lewiston, Ian pursued a business degree at Lewis-Clark State College, graduating in 2010. During this time, he met the loves of his life: his wife, Lisa, and his two children, Morganne and Cole. Ian married Lisa on Aug. 19, 2011. They moved to Boise, in 2013 where they built their life together.
Ian and Lisa loved to adventure and traveled in nine countries throughout their amazing life together, during which Ian discovered his love of Guinness, Spanish dress shoes, Belgian waffles and Brugges, Belgium. When they returned to Boise, Ian resumed helping others in his work — most recently as a patient technician at a Boise addiction and rehabilitation clinic.
A lifelong competitive athlete, Ian enjoyed training as strongman. In June 2023, he competed in his first United States Strongman Nationals, placing fifth. On Oct. 7, 2023, he placed first in a regional Boise competition and was slated to compete at nationals again in June 2024.
Ian asked nothing for himself in passing and wanted only to give even after his life ended. He was able to care for others one last time by fulfilling his dream of being an organ donor.
Ian did incredible things for everyone around him but was more than all the things he was able to accomplish. He loved, helped and strove to understand others unconditionally. He never said “no” to helping anyone, for any reason. He loved without fear and stood up for others with bravery. He protected everyone he was able to, without hesitation. Ian was happy. Becoming and being that person made him the happiest we had ever seen him.
Ian will be missed terribly. However, he is impossible to forget. Remembering all the love and pride we know you held for us, thank you and goodbye, Ian.
Ian was preceded in death by his mother, Yvonne Kaye (Ebel) Stickler. He is survived by his wife Lisa Stickler and their children Morganne Hamann and Cole Jenkins; his father Jim Stickler, and stepmother, Jan Stickler; the families of his maternal uncle and aunts: Jeff Ebel, Meg Glasgow, Deanie Malcolm, Bobette Ruddell and Cherrie Walters; the family of his paternal uncle Bill Stickler.
In lieu of a service or flowers, please consider donating to The Wounded Warrior Project through Ian’s memorial page. This organization was close to his heart and will continue his legacy of helping others. The web address is: communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Ian-M-Stickler; mailing address: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Donors may also call (877) 832-6997, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday.
This obituary was written by Cole Jenkins and Morganne Hamann.
