Katherine R. Stahl's Obituary
Katherine Stahl, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Riverside Nursing Home in Grand Haven. Kathy and Milt had been residents of Spring Lake since 1998, where they had many friends and neighbors on James St., and in their church, United Methodist Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven.
She was born May 24, 1932, in Addison MI, to Harry Brooks and Ruth (Douglass) Smith. The family moved to Indianapolis, IN in 1935. After graduating from Albion College in 1954 with a major in art and minor in psychology, Kathy married Milton Stahl on June 7, 1954, in Albion, MI.
When Kathy wasn't chasing after their 5 kids, she enjoyed indulging her artistic talents in many crafts and hobbies, including art clubs, painting, drawing, sewing, and gardening. She loved the outdoors, long walks, and camping with Milt in their yellow and white "63 Shasta. Kathy was an avid reader, anything from science, the classics or mysteries, she was always curious to learn something new.
After getting her substitute teaching certification, Kathy especially enjoyed classes with young teenagers, as they provided her with way more entertainment than they realized!
Kathy will be remembered for her quirky sense of humor, her love for her family, and "tolerance" for the many pets and wild things her children brought home.
She is lovingly remembered by her two brothers: Harry (Paula) Smith and William Smith; her five children: Sheryl (John) Bild, Lee (Christine) Stahl, Cynthia (Kraig) Brandes, Jay (Beth) Stahl, and Laura Stahl; nine grandchildren: Christine (Fred) Rozak, Matt Bild, Nick (Mandy) Bild, Joe (Zoe) Stahl, Hannah Stahl, Melissa (Jesse) Fender-Hernandez, Steve Brandes, Jimmy(Rebecca) Arnold, Joshua (Faith) Stahl; ten great-grandchildren: Jake Rozak, Emily (Brandon) Hanners, Luke Bild, Grace Bild, Camden Hernandez, Lila Hernandez, Jackson Arnold, Josiah Arnold, Jason Stahl, and Finley Stahl; her nephews Roger (Isabelle) Smith, and Kevin (Heidi) Smith; her great nieces Amelia Smith and Calista Smith, and her great nephews Benjamin Smith and Grant Smith.
Katherine was preceded in death by Milton in January of 2018. And more recently her brother, Jake Smith, and his wife, Anne.
A private family graveside service will be held in the spring at Spring Lake Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association.
Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
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