Rev. Milton E. Stahl's Obituary
Rev. Milton E. Stahl, age 86, of Spring Lake passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Select Specialty Hospital surrounded by family. He was born September 30, 1931, in Eaton Rapids, to Harry Grant and Viola Jeanne (Budlong) Stahl. After residing in Eaton Rapids and Jackson, the family moved to Albion. Milton graduated from Washington Gardner High School in Albion with the class of 1950. He attended Western Michigan University and graduated from Albion College with the class of 1956. While a student at Albion College, he married Katherine Ruth Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana on June 7, 1954. Katherine graduated from Albion College with the class of 1954. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
After college, he entered the banking business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He remained in banking at various locations in Michigan for over thirty-three years. He was a graduate of the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin (Madison). At the time of his retirement, he was president of a banking corporation located in eastern Michigan. Milton was a Mason and a Past Master, and a member of the Shrine and Scottish Rite.
Milton and Katherine were active in the communities and churches where they resided. Later in life, Milton experienced a call to become a minister. His pastoral training took place at seminaries located in Indiana and Illinois. Rev. Stahl served United Methodist Churches in Indiana and Michigan. Upon retirement, they moved to Spring Lake where the United Methodist Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven became their home church. They have five children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Katherine Stahl and their children: Sheryl (John) Bild, Lee (Christine) Stahl, Cynthia (Kraig) Brandes, Jay (Beth) Stahl, and Laura Stahl; eight grandchildren: Matthew Bild, Nick (Mandy) Bild, Melissa Fender, Steven Brandes, Joshua (Faith) Stahl, Jimmy (Rebecca) Arnold, Joseph Stahl, and Hanna Stahl; four great-grandchildren: Luke Bild, Jackson Arnold, Josiah Arnold, and Grace Bild. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Stewart Stahl; and his sister, Margery L. Stahl.
Milton often assisted the pastors at the Church of the Dunes by making home and hospital visits as well as other areas. He also volunteered for many years to bring Sunday afternoon church services to area care facilities as one of the several representatives of the Church of the Dunes. Milton was musically-gifted and played piano, organ and other keyboard instruments and sang in high school, college and church choirs. His caring manner and smile were always appreciated.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Rev. Eldon Eldred and Rev. Lou Grettenberger officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions to United Methodist Church of the Dunes or the Leukemia Society are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Milton?
What’s a lesson you learned from Milton?
Share a story where Milton's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Milton you’ll never forget.
How did Milton make you smile?