Jeffrey D. Stille's Obituary
Jeffrey D. Stille, 62, former mayor of the City of Ferrysburg, father, son, grandfather, businessman, companion, passed away New Years Day, 2025 at Trinity Health, Muskegon. Jeff is the son of Leon and Dzintra Stille, born on St Patrick’s Day, 1962. He apparently suffered an aneurysm, resulting in a devastating fall and injury, while at home alone. Jeff was an energetic, carefree, successful construction company owner. He owned and operated Stille Construction Company for nearly 30 years. Hundreds of remodels, repairs and new constructed homes all over Western Michigan are the result of him and his crew of crafted workers.
Jeff had many exciting interests, skydiving, fast motorcycles, horseback riding out west, windsurfing, powder snow skiing, snowmobiling, and river rafting. One memorable event was a cattle drive in Wyoming with his dad and sister Kris. Daredevil as he was chasing cattle up a mountain side on horseback as if he had done it all his life. He loved following his daughter Alivia as she competed in dressage competition, performing in national events and her knowledgeable work with horses. He was extremely proud of son Grant’s swimming achievements, graduating from Kalamazoo College with honors and progress in med school. A good uncle, he was very generous to all his nieces and nephews, taking them skydiving, fixing autos, being a mentor or just providing support. He had many unique relationships with his nephews, helping them with projects or creating fun events, or in nephew Spencer’s case lending a big brother guiding hand.
Jeff attended Grand Haven Schools, graduating in 1980. He swam for the Buc swim team and excelled as a backstroker, qualifying for State Finals. He then joined the Navy, excelling at bootcamp at Great Lakes Naval Base being selected Recruit Review Commander of the graduating class of cadets for final ceremonies, July 1982. Jeff spent several tours in the Arabian Sea during the Persian Gulf conflict on a destroyer as a nuclear fire control technician in charge of the guns, loading missiles in preparation to fire on Russian aircraft, if ordered. He qualified for Seal training but opted not to join. His oldest son Juston followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the Navy in much the same nuclear field, serving for ten years.
Coming out of the Navy Jeff tried his hand at many things, finally settling on construction, forming his own company. With excellent workers over the years he built many beautiful homes, including his parents entire new farm buildings and his own home in Ferrysburg. He was a talented craftsman! Along with business he served on the Ferrysburg Planning Commission for nine years, the recreation commission for two years, City Council for four years and as Mayor for four years. At the same time Jeff officiated high school and college football for over twenty years, being the only referee from along the Lakeshore to work a Division III national championship game in Roanoke, Virginia. He progressed from Field Judge to Referee for the last half of his refereeing career and was known as one of the best officials in the area.
Jeff is survived by his parents and children, son Juston (Heidi) Stille, daughter Alivia (Jon) Dykstra and son Grant Stille. One granddaughter Clara Jane Stille. Also, a brother Randall (Amy) Stille, sisters Terasa (Bill) Mulligan and Kristina (Leon) Span. A very special friend Judy Bertucci and nine nephews and nieces, Will, Spencer and Brooks Mulligan, Niko Span, Ben Stille, Hattie Mulligan, Maya and Isabel Stille and Zinnie Span.
A celebration of life is planned for 2-5 PM Saturday, February 8, 2025 at The Spring Lake Country Club with a time of sharing starting at 3:30 PM followed by military honors at 4:00 PM.
Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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