John Stalder – A Prominent Figure in Meade County

John Stalder has been a long-standing fixture in Meade County. He has achieved great success as both an agriculturalist and stockman.

His land has blossomed from nothing more than grass to a lush farm with nine rooms, barns and granary. Additionally, it provides abundant water for both domestic and livestock uses.

Early Life and Education

John Stalder was born in Ohio to Frederick Stalder and Marianna Stalder.

He was a successful businessman who founded and operated several businesses in the region. Additionally, he generously gave of his time to numerous nonprofit organizations.

He loved reading in his free moments and spending quality time with his family – two children and several grandchildren.

His life was marked by thrift, and he began without many material possessions to begin with. Yet he worked tirelessly to provide a secure home for his wife and five children. Additionally, he was an esteemed neighbor and respected member of the community.

Professional Career

John Stalder had an illustrious professional career in sports. As a four-year letterman for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and head coach from 2009 to 2012, he achieved great success.

He has made a significant impact on Vista Equity Partners, where he serves on the boards of several companies. As senior director at this organization, his responsibilities include overseeing their portfolio of technology investments in healthcare and education sectors.

John Stalder was an accomplished individual who enjoyed all aspects of life; however, his professional career and family are his proudest accomplishments. During his time at UNC, he helped push the program to new heights and left behind a lasting impression on the Tar Heel family legacy.

Achievements and Honors

Merle Stalder was an enthusiastic traveler and collector, returning with many works of art from his travels. Additionally, he passionately supported the local arts and culture scene with enthusiasm.

His professional life saw him as a trailblazing bookmaker in the 1970s and music booking agent. He played an influential role in developing contemporary Christian music markets, representing crossover artists such as Amy Grant and Michael Smith.

In 2022, he was honored with a CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. Since then, he had been instrumental in opening CAA’s Nashville satellite office and spearheading their growth into an industry leader with client rosters including Zac Brown Band, Lady A, Sugarland, Kelsea Ballerini and Michael W. Smith among others.

Personal Life

John Stalder was raised in the United States and became an integral part of his community for most of his life, serving as City Council Member during the 1960s and Mayor in 1998.

He was a 57 year member of the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Chief for 5 years, and actively involved in other community activities. Additionally, he was 33 years at Humboldt Rotary Club as its local club president; 55 years at Masonic Lodge holding various positions; and 60 years at First Presbyterian Church serving as an elder.

He was an inspiring father and dedicated servant to his community. He enjoyed mentoring young people and working with them on their dreams.

Net Worth

Unassuming cattleman from southeast Nebraska has quietly donated an impressive collection of paintings and prints from his personal collection to a small community gallery in Falls City. It includes works by Thomas Hart Benton (Missouri), abstract expressionist Sam Francis, photographers Ansel Adams and Yousuf Karsh as well as art by notable Nebraska artists John Falter, Alice Cleaver, inventor/photographer Harold “Doc” Edgerton and Omaha artist Allan Tubach. Stalder, who doesn’t want attention drawn to him personally, arranged this gift last year without fanfare.

This collection is not only a gift to the community, but it will help preserve the museum’s expanding collection for future generations. Additionally, it helps sustain Falls City’s reputation as an arts-centric community.