WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Peter Stage, age 83, of Sturgis, went to the great hereafter surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Pete was born on March 27, 1942 in Ironwood, Michigan. He was the 7th of seven children born to Henry & Marie (Skeel) Stage.
Pete was industrious and entrepreneurial from the beginning, having fond memories of being out on his stoop as a toddler and getting money from pedestrians simply because “I was so cute.” He came to Sturgis in 1947. Pete enlisted in the Army in 1960 and proudly served his country. He and his wife of 65 years, Andrea (Vanzile) Stage, were married in 1961 at Fort Benning in Georgia. They then departed for Paris, France where Pete received orders to be stationed. Following his military service he and Andrea welcomed their pride and joy, their daughter Michelle (Stage) Reimer to their family in 1967.
Pete had a varied and successful career in a variety of industries, including: Transogram Toy Company, Harter Corporation, Ross Labs, the majority of which was spent in plastic machinery sales. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Nazareth College, made all the more impressive by the fact that he did not complete high school, a fact that often made him laugh. He “retired” in 2002 but never stopped moving. He and Andrea owned and operated the West Side Restaurant in Sturgis for 3 years, followed by the Corner Café for 16 years. Pete could make a connection with anyone and employed scores of community members over the years. Pete was also a man of service, spending decades on the City of Sturgis Planning Board, and volunteering his time with the Red Cross. He was a champion for Sturgis and always wanted to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
He was preceded in death by his father Henry Stage and mother Marie Stage. His sisters Mabel Stage and Ella Pierucki. His brothers Robert Stage, Michael Stage, Dr. James Stage and Jon Stage, sister-in-law Agnes Stage, brothers-in-law: Carl Pierucki, Charles VanZile and David Falkenstein.
He is survived by his wife Andrea Stage, daughter Michelle (Chad) Reimer, sisters-in-law Gwen Stage and Phyllis Falkenstein, brother-in-law: Doug (Pat) VanZile. and countless nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 14th at First Presbyterian Church, 1320 S. Lakeview St. in Sturgis where funeral services celebrating the life of Peter Stage will immediately follow the visitation. The Rev. Craig Kunkle will officiate. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. A continued time of fellowship and the sharing of a meal will follow in the church fellowship hall.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to Beacon Health Hospice, 711 S. Health Parkway, Three Rivers, MI 49093.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
