Jean Stadt

Jean A (Rhem) Stadt, age 70, went into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus on January 24, 2019. She was in the comfort of home surrounded by adoring family. Jean was the eldest of 5 born to Albert Rhem and Rena (Mejeur) Rhem. She preceded in death by her parents, brother Bill Rhem, husband Steven J Stadt and nephew Gary Stadt. She is survived by her brother Al Rhem, sister Mary (Dan) Dombos, and brother Fred (Judy) Rhem. Also by her loving children Steven (Tonya) Stadt, Christine (James) Polmanteer and Sarah (Tim) Saur. An aunt to 10 nieces and nephews. And a biological grandmother to 13 grandchildren. However, she was know by a countless number of children (and adults) as Grandma Jean. As in her later years she dedicated her life to serving the youth. She was passionate about teaching children how to read and write. And showing them through her humble service the endless love and mercies of Jesus. Jean loved her community and was an active member of Senior Neighbors. And worked with children at Kent Hills Elementary for years. She was a Foster Grandparent, a Kids Hope volunteer and participated in the Gems program at her church. She attended 4th Reformed Church for over 30 years.

Jean was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. In her younger years she was a tremendous athlete. A defender of the smaller and disadvantaged. And especially protective over her 4 younger siblings. She went on to study at Western Michigan University. After schooling she started the physically demanding job of caring for the sick, feeble and elderly in Grand Rapids, MI. She spent over 16 years serving others at Kent Community Hospital. No matter how taxing the task, Jean did it without complaint and with an immense tenderness and unfailing love.

All of God’s creation held value to her, from the very young to the very old. All creatures great and small. She enjoyed tending flowers and plants. Through her oil painting she would attempt to capture the splendor and beauty of God’s craftsmanship. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, drawing and writing. But most of all she enjoyed studying the Bible and the fellowship of studying it with others.

Jean was born with a compliant heart towards Jesus. Which served her well as she found great joy in serving Him through the giving of herself to others. She worked incredibly hard for all that she had, but she never kept it for herself. She endlessly gave every bit of what she had to anyone with a need. Whether she knew them or not. Jean accepted every token of kindness from others as if it were the greatest gift she had ever received. Because of her unwavering love of God, she found immense happiness and a reason to rejoice, even in the face of great trials. God blessed her and in turn those that knew her with a contagious laughter. Daily in her life, Jean demonstrated that every road leads straight to Jesus. It was her goal in life to lead as many to Christ as she possibly could. Her stance was to mirror the life of Jesus to win souls for His kingdom. She contributed all that she was, all that she was able to do, all that she had, and all that she was able to give to the sweet mercies, grace and unending love of her Savior Jesus Christ. Jean had the most humble of hearts. She would not want us carrying on so about how great she was. She would want us to turn our attention towards how great her God is! It would be her prayer for us all. She would point us all towards the path to Jesus, which in turn will lead us heaven bound. Which is exactly where she now resides for eternity. In the glorious presence of her amazing God, all because of the unconditional grace and steadfast love of Jesus Christ.

The service to remember and celebrate Jean's life will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 12 Noon at Fourth Reformed Church, 1226 Union Ave NE where friends may visit with her family beginning at 11 AM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Words of Hope are appreciated. To share a favorite memory or to sign Jean's guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com