Joe A. Stahl

     Today a golden heart has quit beating. A great, generous, and kind man passed into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Joe A. Stahl 89 died on December 23, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at the Central Montana Medical Center. He was 89 years old, 24 days shy of his 90th birthday. Joe was born on January 16th, 1928 to John and Anna (Hofer) Stahl at the Beadle Colony near Huron, South Dakota. He was the third oldest of six brothers and five sisters. Growing up in the depression made a mark on him the rest of his life. In 1944, at the age of 15, his family moved to Ayers Colony near Grass Range, MT, where he started out farming on horse and plow, and throughout the years he kept pace with the changing of technology. On June 3rd, 1951, he married his soulmate, Dora Walter at the Ayers Colony and they were blessed with 66 wonderful years together. To this happy union eight children were born. In 1975, he relocated to the Fords Creek Colony, where he became the field boss, and he resided there until his passing.

     Joe deeply loved the outdoors; the mountains, streams and fields of Montana. Dad took great pride in his work and whatever he set his heart to, which he shared so freely. Joe's greatest pleasure was farming the land. Spending endless hours on the tractor was like being on vacation for him. He was a man of many interests. While Joe grew personally, he greatly enriched the lives of his family and friends. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren.

     Joe is survived by his wife, Dora, and his children Josie (Ed) Stahl of Lewistown, MT, Susan Stahl of Grass Range, MT, Ruth (Herb) Hofer of Raymond, Alberta, Glen (Judy) Stahl of Shepherd, MT, Rev. Frank (Kathy) Stahl of Grass Range, MT, Dorothy (Tim) Stahl of Stanford, MT, Eileen Stahl of Grass Range, MT and Robert (Lydia) Stahl of Grass Range, MT; brothers Rev. John Ayers Colony, David (Miriam) Drumbo, Ontario, George (Mary) of Lethbridge Alberta, and Josh of Lewistown, and his sisters Katie, Mary (Darius) both of Spring Creek Colony, Susie (Sam) Drumheller, Alberta and Lana of Lethbridge, Alberta; 24 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, preceded in death by 3 great-grandchildren.

    He was preceded in death by his parents John and Anna Stahl, brother Martin, sister Annie, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

     Services for Joe A. Stahl will be Tuesday, December 26th, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ford's Creek Colony with committal to follow in the Ford's Creek Cemetery.  The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

      I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me.                                                                               2 Timothy 4:7-8