Gerald L. Stahl passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 4, 2025, at the age of 76.
Funeral services will be held at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Bruce, SD, on Friday Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held the night prior from 5 to 7 p.m. at Grace Free Lutheran Church.
Gerald was born on Sept. 22, 1948, in Estelline, SD, the son of Richard James and Viola Jean (Erickson) Stahl. Gerald grew up in Bruce and attended school in Bruce and Volga, graduating from Sioux Valley High School in Volga, SD.
Gerald served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and Bronze Service Star. He was thankful in the past years for his service as he began to rely on the VA Hospital.
Gerald was united in marriage to Susan Claussen on Dec. 21, 1974, in Elkton. They had just celebrated 50 years together.
Gerald worked for Adee Honey Farms in Bruce for over 50 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 200 in Bruce for over 50 years. He served the Bruce Fire Department for 25 years.
Gerald was known for his kindness and sense of humor. He enjoyed attending Ashley’s sporting events when she was in high school, creating dollhouses for his nieces, and most recently was an avid Vikings, Jackrabbits and Twins fan. His greatest joy this past year was becoming a grandfather and getting to FaceTime every day with his granddaughter, Makenzie.
Gerald was a member of Grace Free Lutheran Church in Bruce. Gerald’s faith was always present, but with greater prominence in the last three years. He knew and loved the Lord.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Susan Stahl of Bruce, SD, his daughter, Ashley (Erich) Feller of Charles City, IA, his granddaughter Makenzie Feller and a very special niece, Jennifer (Kyle) Anderson of Baltic and his honorary grandchildren, Abigail, Jacob and Benjamin. Brother Marv (Sheila) Stahl of Battle Creek, NE; Barb (Craig) Shea of Flandreau, SD; Dean (Karen) Stahl of Bismarck, ND; Keith/Beeper (Robin) Stahl of Bruce, SD; Brady (Stacia) Stahl of Brookings, SD; In laws Debbie Claussen, Marlo (Sharron) Claussen, Vivien Norris, Kent (Linda) Claussen, Helen (Kevin) Grooters, and Carol (Roger) Berndt. He was well loved by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in-law, his brother Curtis Stahl, brother-in-law Lee Claussen and nephew Kristopher Grooters.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
