//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
Edith M. Stahl, age 92 of Kalamazoo, passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice Home on May 14, 2026. Husband James Stahl preceded her in death in 1999.
Edith was born January 29, 1934, in Centreville, Michigan, the daughter of Cecil and Alma "Alice" (Burgess) Boles. Edith was a graduate of Three Rivers High School and received both undergraduate and master's degrees in elementary education from Western Michigan University. Having learned piano at a young age, Edith also minored in music.
Soon after starting her teaching career in Three Rivers, on November 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, James Stahl. Jim graduated from Western's ROTC program as a commissioned Army officer. Following basic training in Fort Benning, GA, Jim received orders to Neu Ulm, Germany, where Edith taught kindergarten on the army base school for two years. The family returned to Portage, Michigan in 1966.
Edith and Jim were blessed with two sons, Thomas and Daniel Stahl. For 28 more years, Edith was an elementary teacher at Portage Public Schools including Pershing, Ramona Lane, and Amberly Elementaries until her retirement in 1994. One of the highlights of each school year was the elementary class musical for which Edith led and played piano during performances.
Through this time, the family also traveled extensively, enjoying winter ski trips and being at the cottage in the summer. In conjunction with Jim's Army summer training camps at various military bases around the country, the family would join him and visit nearby national parks and other destinations.
After retirement, Edith volunteered as a docent at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. She was chapter president of the Kalamazoo Area Retired School Personnel and active at the state level as well. As a member of the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority ("ADK"), Edith was a past president and achieved the Silver Sister Award for 25 years of service. Edith enjoyed many close and enduring friendships through these organizations.
More than anything else Edith enjoyed spending time with family. Edith is survived by her two sons: Tom (Susan) Stahl of Portage and Dan (Nicole) Stahl of Traverse City and her grandchildren, Frank, James and Anika.
In addition to husband Jim, Edith was preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard (Virginia) Boles of Dowagiac, and nephew Stanley Boles of Florida.
An informal memorial gathering will be held on Thursday July 9, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Home located at 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Edith's honor to Gamma Zeta Chapter of ADK Sorority, Attn: Duane Pound - Treasurer, 693 Sand Pointe Trail, Portage, MI 49024. ADK empowers women educators to advance inclusion, educational excellence and altruism.
To view Edith's personalized guestbook please visit