Margaret Stahr

There was no place quite like home for Margaret Stahr for it was there that she found the most peace and contentment. Although much of her social life revolved around her family and church family as well, Margaret was the happiest when surrounded by those she held dear. With a strong yet quiet faith, Marge was a kind and caring woman. She will be remembered fondly as a devoted wife, dedicated mother and loving grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

Born on September 2, 1918, Margaret, or Marge as she was often called, was a welcome blessing in the lives of her parents, John and Lena (Kates) Herman of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Raised on the Northeast side of the city, Marge was the youngest of eight children with a six year span between her and her next oldest sibling. With seven older children, there was never a lack of anyone watching over her.

As a youngster Marge enjoyed softball and attended the local schools. During her high school years she often spent time at her aunt’s home in Chicago, Illinois where she worked for a local bakery. With money scarce during the bleak days of the Great Depression, Marge soon went to work after graduating from Creston High School in order to help support her family. She eventually began working at Basch’s Jewelry Store as a store clerk and helped purchase the costume jewelry there. While working Marge became acquainted with a dashing gentleman named Wilbur Stahr who was in the jewelry repair business.

Quite smitten, Marge and Wilbur began dating and before long there was talk of love. On September 5, 1940 the two shared vows of marriage at Bethel Reformed Church followed by a memorable honeymoon to Niagara Falls. A day to remember, their commitment to one another would eventually span nearly 70 years of sharing their life together.

When World War II began a few years into their marriage Wilbur felt the call to duty and joined the service. Marge remained at home in the Shawmut Hills area of Grand Rapids and continued to work at the jewelry store while she patiently and prayerfully awaited Wilbur’s safe return. Following his discharge, Wilbur returned home to Michigan where they soon began their family. Six years apart in age, Thomas and Barbara blessed their lives beyond compare. Marge became a full time homemaker and used her wonderful skills to make a good home for her beloved husband and children.

An extremely clean and organized woman, Marge was often very fussy and meticulous about her home. Marge thrived on routine. Although a wonderful cook in the eyes of her family and guests throughout the years, she never really thought she had special skill when it came to cooking. When it came to baking, Marge did so often, usually volunteering her baking talents and goods for church.

Over the years Marge remained very close to her siblings. She enjoyed the many family gatherings at Horsehead Lake in Mecosta and many holiday get-togethers where good times were enjoyed by all. They made lasting memories during these times as well as times spent traveling around the country when the kids were young. Always content at home, being surrounded by her family and church friends was the greatest joy for Marge. Much of she and Wilbur’s social life was enjoyed in their company.

Longtime members of Valley Avenue Methodist Church, Marge involved herself with the youth there and even served as the church wedding coordinator for a time. When the church moved, Marge and Wilbur became members of Wallin Congregational Church. Marge continued to be a loyal and active member of her church home and was involved with the Women’s Circles, the Mr. and Mrs. Club, the Elizabeth Circle and helped with many luncheons. They enjoyed visiting friends and entertained often in their home over the years.

In their later years Marge and Wilbur enjoyed traveling to such places as Europe, Hawaii and spent a memorable trip to the Canadian Rockies. They also took in the warmer climate of Fort Myers, Florida where they wintered for 20 years. Marge absolutely loved the sun, beach and sun and also enjoyed swimming. In fact, they had a pool for many years that was always a welcome spot for friends and family alike. She and Wilbur loved visiting their daughter and her family in Kalamazoo each and every Wednesday. She loved the time spent with their grandsons but Marge liked to keep busy and always found a project or two around the house to help with.

In Marge’s earlier years she was an athletic girl but was limited by her allergies. Later in life she enjoyed watching sporting events on television with her husband. They also liked playing cards and often played with their grandsons. True to Marge’s routine nature, she and Wilbur played the card game Skipbo nightly at 7:00 PM. She enjoyed word searches and for a time liked watching a few soap operas. More recently, Marge looked forward to her usual Friday hair appointment.

It was also in Marge’s nature to dote and love on her grandchildren. She particularly loved the young babies in her family and loved seeing her great-grandbabies. A wonderful grandma, Marge loved each of her grandchildren beyond compare. They always enjoyed visits every winter in Florida from their kids and their families.

Although Marge was a private person, she got along well with others and enjoyed conversation but was usually not one to initiate it. Home was where her heart was and where she found peace and contentment. Her quiet faith, care and concern were a blessing and an example to her family as she lived her life with unending compassion for others. With family as her priority, Marge even kept a calendar of all the special days in the lives of those special to her and never ceased in remembering family and friends with a birthday card.

About five years ago Marge and Wilbur moved to Covenant Village where they enjoyed the activities and friends. For the last few months Marge insisted she was fine but her family sensed that something was ailing her. Following a trip to the doctor and several tests, Marge was diagnosed with cancer several weeks ago. At the age of 91, Margaret Stahr went to her heavenly home on Friday morning, August 13, 2010. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Marge is survived by her husband, Wilbur; children: Thomas Stahr and Barbara (Steve) Severance of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Eric (Sui) Severance, Daniel (Katrina) Severance, Scott Severance; great-grandchildren: Quinn and Addison; several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate her life will be held Monday, August 16, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with her family on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either the Wallin Congregational Church Endowment Fund or to Spectrum Health Hospice. To read more about Marge’s life, share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.