Bernard Stadt

Age 93, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 in his home with his loving family at his side. Bernard, son of William and Elnora (Wells) Stadt, was born in Grand Rapids, MI on October 24, 1926, was a Davis Tech Vocational High School graduate, and moved to Gull Lake in 2000. He proudly served as Seaman First Class in the US Navy on the USS Pocomoke AV9, during World War II. Upon returning home from serving his country, he married his sweetheart Marilyn Vogel on January 14, 1949. He went on to work for Stadt Builders with his brothers Lee and Warren; later he became a foreman for Pearson Construction and finally Bouma Construction Company in Grand Rapids, MI. He was "Mr. Handyman" wherever he went, and could fix just about anything. Family was always priority and he raised his children with kindness, laughter, and spiritual guidance. In later years he was known as the beloved "Papa of the Lake." He was always considerate of others, friendly, humble and lived his faith. Family, friends and "lake family" will deeply miss Papa. Surviving are; two daughters, Bonnie (Tom) Visser of Rockford and Peggy Weigle of Hickory Corners; his son, Tom (Mary) Stadt of Augusta, MI; eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren; his brother Warren and sister Marlene (Don) Flight. Bern was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, after 70 years of marriage; his parents; granddaughter Jodi Lynn; sister Elnora Fleming; and brothers Rev. Melbourne Stadt and Leon Stadt. A Remembrance Online Gathering will be held on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022). Final interment will be held on Monday, July 6th at Noon in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full military honors. Donations can be made to Gull Lake Ministries, Hickory Corners, MI or Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, MI. Personal messages and/or memories of Bernie may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com