Ricki Stahl April 13,1918-Oct 29,2011

My brother Brian, his wife Jan, Ricki, and my wife Mary and me on October 23rd. Mom's last public outing at her favorite restaurant.

It is with great sadness we share that we have lost our dearest mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, past co-worker and friend; but find comfort that she is now at peace in eternal life with her husband Ernie and son Craig and all the other family members and friends that have gone before her. If you ever had the chance to meet Ricki in person, you know she exuded life and always put the needs of others before her own. Even though she had an impoverished childhood, losing her father at age 12 and growing up during the Great Depression, she was always a hard worker who contributed to her family’s well-being and also became a competitive swimmer. She was tenacious and loved life.

Most of you know she was instrumental in the founding of Stahls’, cutting the first letters on the kick press and doing countless other jobs, both at the company and on the home front to support the success of this now world-renowned group of companies. She has literally touched and improved thousands of lives around the world over the years and her legacy and spirit will always be remembered. A true giver, Ricki was always involved with supporting not just her family, but also trying to enrich the lives of others. She helped bring a hot lunch program to an area middle school and was involved in various charities such as The Make a Wish FoundationHabitat for Humanity, The Humane Society.

As a person she was always loving and forgiving. She had a huge heart, not only for her beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but everyone with whom she came in contact. She was always thinking about the comfort and happiness of those around her; be it for the nurses, doctors and fellow patients when she was in the hospital or for her many friends in the Sunrise living community. Everyone who met Ricki was a recipient of her gracious and loving ways. Ricki loved the woods, the outdoors, the warm sun and the water. She was an avid fisherwoman, golfer and could not leave a domino or Mahjong tile unturned. As a golfer, she never made her “hole in one” here on Earth, but if they have golf courses in heaven, we know that she is up there working on that.

To honor Ricki’s legacy and her commitment to helping others, we will also be setting up a Ricki Stahl Memorial Scholarship. More details to follow soon. Thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time. It is hard to believe that only last Oct 17th she was given a standing ovation for her lifetime of service at a GroupeSTAHL Town Hall Meeting. Mom, you will be missed but never forgotten.

 

 

 

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37 comments

  1. Barb says:

    My deeptest sympathy to you and your famaily. You have been so blessed to have her beautiful memories to fill the hole in your heart. Many prayers to you and your family.

    Barb

  2. Kelly says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss Brian and Ted and to the entire Stahl family! Because of you and your mom, I am doing something that I love to do! I work at home and decorate garments. This allows be to have a flexible schedule and to be there for my children. If I had never worked at Stahls’, I do not know what I would be doing now. I learned a lot there, thank you!

  3. Kevin Schoensee says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

  4. Ronnie & Sandra Johnson says:

    Holding you close in thought & prayer during this difficult time. Catch our hugs!

  5. Elaine Sables says:

    Dear Ted and Brian,
    My deepest sympathy goes to you, your family, and all those who have been touched by Ricki. A dear woman with a twinkle in her eye, warm touch, and extreme perseverance. What wonderful traits she has passed on to her loving family. She will be missed by all. She was a remarkable woman.
    With prayers and love, Elaine

  6. Andra Muraszka Green says:

    Dear Stahl family,
    I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Stahl….My condolences and prayers go out to the entire Stahl family.I still always think of her when I go thru Grayling! 🙂
    Sending you the strength to get thru this difficult time.

    Sincerely,
    Andra Muraszka Green

  7. Michelle Roberts says:

    Dear Ted,

    Please know that I am thinking of you and your family during this time. You have so many beautiful moments to remember with your proud mother….she will be with you every step you take.

  8. Ted says:

    In Florida, Canada and Michigan, We always had fun with her at her beautiful summer place in Grayling, Her Boblo Island home or at Emerald Pointe in Punta Gorda, Florida. We lost a wonderful family member, good friend and one beautiful person. Surely, she is with God in heaven for all the good works Ricki has done on this earth.

    –Richard Bauser

  9. Ted says:

    Ted and Family,

    I am very sorry to hear of Ricki’s passing.

    It truly is amazing that just last week her presence at the Town Hall lit up the entire room.

    Though the light has dimmed her memory will truly shine on.

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    God Bless you and God Bless Ricki Stahl.

    Sincerely,

    Bob Brooks

  10. Ted says:

    Let me start off by saying sorry for your loss. Ricki Stahl was one of the kindest caring individuals I ever met. Although I didn’t see her very often she was always going out of her way to help me out or make me feel like one of her own grand kids. I know she is in a better place and she will be missed.

    You have my condolences,
    Thomas Servais

  11. Ted says:

    Dear Ted, Brian and Family,

    We are saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother.

    Please know that we will offer prayers for all of you as you say good-bye to such a wonderful person.

    May she rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon her.

    Most Sincerely,

    Tim and Sandy Weaver and Family

  12. Ted says:

    Dear Ted, Brian and the entire Stahl Family

    My thoughts and prayers are with you now and through this difficult time, and in the days to come. May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.

    I am thankful I had the opportunity to be part of the standing ovation for Ricki’s lifetime of service at the GroupeSTAHL Town Hall Meeting, on Oct 17th. At this meeting, I had the opportunity to stop by and say “hello” and share a friendly chat with her. Ricki was such a warm and caring person. Again, thank you for this moment.

    What a Blessing to have had such a wonderful person in your life.

    Remember that your loss is shared by many friends who care and that you’re in our thoughts and hearts and in our every prayer. May you find the courage to face tomorrow in the love that surrounds you today.

    Wishing the entire Stahl family the best, through this difficult time.

    Anne Gojcaj

  13. Ted says:

    Dear Ted,

    I am very sorry to hear the news of your mother’s death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

    You and your family are in my prayers.

    With Sympathy,

    Daniel Robinson

  14. Ted says:

    Dear Ted,

    We are saddened to hear that your mother Ricki passed away on Saturday. On
    behalf of all employees of STAHLS’ Europe Gmbh I am writing to extend our
    deepest sympathies to you and your family at this sad time.

    Unfortunately I’ve never had the opportunity of meeting your mother, but
    at least I had the chance to see her in the video conference at the Town
    hall meeting.

    From everything I learned so far since I joined the group 5 months ago, I
    know that she was an immense pillar in the development of the group.

    Our thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time of
    loss.

    Yours sincerely,

    Frank

  15. Ted says:

    Had the chance to meet her personally some years ago, remember how she spread her personality and presence in the room.
    Believe is always hard to lose a dear mother, even harder such a strong referring point in life and business.

    My personal heartfelt condolences to all Stahl family and Ted in particular.

    –Ciro

  16. Ted says:

    Dear Ted, Brian, and Family,

    Very sorry to hear of Ricki’s passing.
    It seems her good nature and great wit never left her, as she was such a wonderful presence at the recent town hall.
    She was truly an inspiration of hard work and commitment to all of us.

    You are all in my prayers,
    Carleen Gray

  17. Ted says:

    To The Stahl Family,

    My condolences in your time of grief at the loss of Ricki.

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now, and in the days to come.

    Mark Furdero

  18. Ted says:

    We just wanted to take the time to express how sorry we are to the family for the loss of this great woman.If not for her we all don’t become part of the Stahl family.

    Although in a better place now she will be missed here on earth and will always be remembered in our hearts.We sympathize with all the relatives in this time of sorrow but also celebrate the long life she had.

    Our condolences,
    The Team at Hotronix

  19. Ted says:

    Our deepest sympathies, prayers and thoughts for your most recent loss. In working with Stahls’ over the years, it is very evident to see the legacy that has been left behind as a result of her passion, dedication and commitment to both work and family.

    We will look forward to receiving information regarding the Ricki Stahl Memorial Scholarship as it would be an honor to be a part of carrying forward her commitment and dedication to family, friends and community.

    Our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time,

    Kim Fiori- President
    Mike O’Grady- Sales
    Shelly O’Grady- Client Management
    Lori Grden- Client Coordinator
    Vicki McMullen- Medical Claims Unit Manager
    Brandy Schutt- Medical Claims Analyst

    As well as the rest of your team at NGS.

  20. Ted says:

    I did not know Ricki Stahl very well, but I know she played an important role in the founding of Stahls’. So I know she was a strong-willed, and determined individual. My condolences go out to her entire family, especially to my Uncle Ted & Aunt Mary and their children (my cousins). My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I met her last thanksgiving and she was kind, and full of smiles. From the stories I have heard about her I am lucky to have been graced by her presence. May she rest in peace in Heaven.

    Love, Michelle Wyniemko

  21. Ted says:

    You may have passed on to the eternal life, but your soul will live on at STAHLS’ forever!

    –Brent Kisha

  22. Ted says:

    Dear Ted,
    I’m very sorry to hear that your mother passed.
    I know how very important she has been to you to you and how committed you have been to supporting her.

    My thoughts are with you.

    Mark Hyman

  23. Ted says:

    Ted

    I was so very sorry to hear about the death of you mother. I know how difficult this time is for you and your family. I know Ricki was a great lady and that this loss will leave a great hole in your life.

    Ricki was always busy and I remember the time she filled the trunk of my car with lamps when I was headed to Bob Lo. I knew I was going to get caught but made it without any problems. I thought of that time when I would get pulled over at customs. I hope that memory can bring a smile to your face even in this time of sorrow.

    Mel Meibers

  24. Ted says:

    Ted,
    It is with a sad heart that I send my deepest sympathy for your loss. I understand what a great part of your life she was and what a void you must feel. I have many memories of her involvement with the company and what a great patriarch she was for us all. She has truly left the world a much better place because she was here.

    My experience has been that if we listen quietly she will still let you know her opinion on matters close to her heart. God bless you all at this difficult time and may you find comfort in your rich memories. You were truly a caring and loving Son and her family has done her proud.

    Pat Baldes

  25. Ted says:

    I am so sorry Ted
    I know you loved her so much
    I will pray for you

    Barry Mahloy

  26. Ted says:

    Ted may God bless Ricki and your entire family. I adored my mother the way you adored Ricki. Extra-ordinary people touch so many and have an eternal legacy. We will pray for you all and wish the the best during this difficult time.

    Rick, Adriana, Giovanni, Marco, Sofia, Nico, Luca Genrich

  27. Ted says:

    Ted, I am sorry for your loss.
    I know how dear your mother was to you and your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts on this sad but celebratory day.

    Deepest regards,
    Sean Oakley

  28. Ted says:

    Sorry to hear about your mom, she was a wonderful person and she had a wonderful life.

    Tom McInnes

  29. Ted says:

    Ted and family,
    I’m so sorry to hear of Ricki’s passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all. It has always been so touching to see the relationship between Ricki and her family and to see the pride that they had for one another. She will surely be missed by many.

    My sincere condolences,
    Ben Reutter

  30. Ted says:

    Hi Ted and The Stahls Family,

    I just wanted to let you know personally that you and all your family have my deepest and most sincere sympathy. I know the empty feeling you are having right now, but it is a comfort to know that she is at rest and in Heaven with her loved ones that have gone on before.

    That was such a “beautiful poem” your daughter Krystin wrote, it brought tears to my eyes, because my parents are both resting in peace with their wings opened wide waiting for us on the other side.

    You and yours are in my prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Daisy Hatcher

  31. Ted says:

    Ted,
    I am so deeply sorry to hear this for your sake. I know she was a very special person…and I know that she lives on now without all those earthly problems. Thanks for letting me know.
    Dan

  32. Ted says:

    Hi Ted,

    My deepest condolences for the passing of your mom! Her perseverance and fortitude was a testament not only to her character but to your family. As difficult as this time truly is, take some solace in that fact that she is now in a better place, at peace in heaven!

    Dominic

  33. Ted says:

    Ted, Mary and family.

    Susan and I are so very sorry to hear this. We know that your mother is in very good hands. Our thoughts are with all of you.

    Sincerely,
    Jan Starr

  34. Ted says:

    Hi Ted,
    Please accept our deepest condolences. Though I never met Ricki personally she was an inspiration to me through all of the stories I heard from you and many of the Stahls’ family!

    We are very sorry for your loss, God has gained a beautiful soul for his kingdom!

    With Love,

    The Murphy Family

  35. Dear Ted and Brian,

    How blessed were we to have such wonderful Mothers in our life – she has left behind a beautiful family and legacy.

    think of you often,
    with love

    Sharon Bialic Kuzenko
    Tucson, AZ

  36. Ted says:

    Dear Ricki,

    Now we have to say goodbye to you just like we had to say good bye to some other of the dearest people in our life.

    Ricki, you touched the souls of many and you certainly touched our hearts and souls.

    With a warm smile in your eyes and some caring words whenever we met you made us feel home and part of the family.

    You made this world a little better place and we can only wish others will say the same about us when it is time for us to go.

    Thank you for being who you were. There are too few like you in this world.

    There will always be a place in our hearts and we have planted a tree for you at our new home.

    With a last farewell,

    Thomas, Christiane & Benjamin Karr

  37. Dear Ted,
    I learned of your moms passing while reading your newsletter, last evening. I’m so very sorry for your families loss.
    I pray that especially during this Holiday season, and all the days ahead, your heart feels light with trusting in God’s grand plan for Ricki and all His children.
    It’s heartwarming and inspirational to read all the kind words about your mom, all she was, and all she gave of herself for others. Thank you for sharing your family photo. It’s so beautiful to see the legacy she left to carry on.
    We are so appreciative and proud to be part of this wonderful company she started, I can’t even begin to tell you.

    The Hotronix-Names Made Iowa team
    Julie Coleman
    Whitney Coleman
    Shelly Anderson

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