WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Jerry Lee Stahl, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday morning, May 6, 2024 at his home.
He was born May 22, 1946, in Sturgis, son of the late Otis M. and Avis Louise (Kinsey) Stahl.
Jerry was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1965 where he excelled in gymnastics being the first gymnast to accomplish an iron cross while participating in an intra-squad gymnastics meet.
On August 3, 1968 he married Janet M. Harter at the parsonage of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Sturgis by the Rev. Jay DeNeff.
Jerry retired from Morgan Olson in Sturgis following many years of dedicated employment as a materials handler in the parts warehouse.
Jerry had a love of trapping, hunting, and fishing. He was an accomplished horseman, participating in speed events (down and back, bending and cloverleaf) all over St. Joseph County and surrounding areas with his horse Gypsy and later Jake. He had an appreciation for archery and competed with his son Cody in archery leagues and they were undefeated. He earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and at his Black Belt testing he was acknowledged for his thesis on breath control and strength when performing Martial Arts forms. He completely restored his 1968 Chevy Camaro from the ground up.
Jerry was always the cowboy. He was a Life Member of the Single Action Shooting Society, member of Hidden Valley Cowboys Action Association, and the St. Joseph County Conservation and Sportsman Club.
He was known by many as Superman as he could often times be found wearing one of his many Superman shirts.
Jerry had hobbies and involvements but what made him happiest was time surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren who held a special place in his heart.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 55 years: Janet; his son: Cody (Nikki) Stahl of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Gavin S. Stahl and Avery B. Stahl; siblings: Larry (Beatrice Walls) Stahl of Sturgis, Sandra K. (Charles “Pete”) Wooten of Sturgis, Linda (Gary) Major of Sturgis, Cindy L. (Art) Krontz of Sturgis and Martin O. (Kim) Stahl of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; nephews: Charles Allen Wooten and Timothy Charles Wooten; paternal grandparents: Willis J Stahl and Minnie L. (Weirich) Stahl, Sanderson, Toth; maternal grandparents: Wallace A Kinsey and Emma Jean (Ward) Kinsey
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. Graveside services and interment of the remains will take place at 1:00, Saturday, June 1st at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. The Pastor Kathy Schuen of the First Congregational Church in Constantine will officiate. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate and honor the life of Jerry Lee Stahl will follow the graveside service from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Jerry’s memory consider Three Rivers Health Hospice, 711 S. Health Parkway, Three Rivers, MI 49093.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
