Waltraut Stahnke

Proud German and long-time resident, Waltraut “Ginger” Stahnke, 86, was born in Berlin, Germany on April 20, 1931. She entered Heaven’s gates on Aug. 25, 2017 with her niece, Renee, at her side. She will be missed by many.

When coming to the United States somewhere around 1952, she already knew she would be a cosmetologist and grew to become her own salon owner in Illinois. In 1979 she transitioned to Fountain Hills, going on to open her salon in Scottsdale and calling it Europa Hair Designs. She excelled in being an excellent colorist that drove many to seek out her services. She changed the lives of her clients while entertaining them in her chair with stories of Germany and the war she grew up in as a child in Berlin.

In her younger years, Ginger was a real socialite, and what a “looker.” She entered any room commanding attention without saying a word. Her loves were parties, fine food, beautiful clothing, traveling, times with family and friends, and all things German.

She loved living in beautiful Fountain Hills, all while watching it grow into the community it is today. After all she would say, “I have the best view of the Four Peaks right here!” All while sipping her Courvoisier.

She retired from her salon after a stroke sidelined her back around 1998, and hung up her scissors after a few last haircuts. It was like taking her identity away. And boy did she speak her mind.

She enjoyed being retired, as she could sit and watch her favorite cooking shows on TV – German food, of course – all while having her German dachshund “Shatzy” on her lap. She loved her dog.

Miss Ginger grew on the many volunteers and director of the Home Delivered Meals program here in Fountain Hills. She made friends along the way. She and Nita had a special bond. Many heartfelt thanks go out to Nita and the volunteers and staff of this fine program. God Bless you for the food and smiles you brought to my aunt.

She missed her dear friend who passed, Lynn Lipke, and still held close her 60-year friendship with Lorraine Kolb of Fountain Hills. You made her smile, Lorraine, at your last visit. Thank you.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her youngest sister, Elke Blair, of Fountain Hills. She is survived by her niece, Renee Blair (Chris Fritts) from Phoenix, and her sister, Heidrun, nephew, Dirk, niece, Tracy, all in California.

No services are scheduled at this time but there will be a private cremation.