Pat "Coach" Stier

All who knew Patrick Stier would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was always willing to do whatever he could to help others, and he never expected anything in return. A loving husband and devoted father, it was easy to see that Pat’s family was the light of his life. A longtime resident of the community he loved, he was accepting of everyone he met. Life will never be the same without Pat here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The 1960s were a decade unlike any other. It was the decade when we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th United States President and when civil right came from and center. With innovation leading the way, it was the United States that was victorious in the space race between our country and the Soviet Union. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1964 when Herb and Kathleen Stier were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Patrick John on August 5th, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was one of four children to be raised in the Stier family home, and was joined by his siblings, Mike, Jeff, and Cristy. In many ways, Pat was a young boy of his generation. Much of his youth was spent on the local baseball diamonds in Kalamazoo. He grew up playing ball at Milwood little league. Later in life, Pat continued to be involved in sports with his daughters.

New and exciting changes were in store for Pat when he met and later married the love of his life, Lana. Together they welcomed two daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia, into their hearts and home. He was an active part of their lives, and being a father was something that came naturally to him. Pat was so proud of his girls and was very outspoken in his love for them. He was quick to compliment his wife and loved how she always spoke her mind. They loved traveling as a family, especially their trips to Disney. They went there twice and made the rounds at all the parks. Pat rode every ride.

No matter what his girls were doing, he was always there to support his daughters. He helped out with the swim team when Elizabeth was part of the team. He timed the swimmers and brought food to their meets. For years he coached Olivia in softball, and after she outgrew the sport Pat continued coaching many of the girls at Loy Norrix High School. Often known as “Coach,” he was like a second father to so many and took many youngsters under his wing. Pat believed in everyone, and he was always the favorite coach.

As his family and friends can attest, Pat was always there to help. He took care of the needs of his family and friends. After the death of his father he was the rock his mother counted on. Whether he was mowing her lawn, plowing her driveway, or just being there, Pat was a gift to her. He helped countess family members, friends, and neighbors - because that was the kind of person he was. Pat was a huge dog lover. His dogs, Dopey and Lucy, were so devoted to him and were treasured companions. Throughout his life Pat was a man of many interests. Pat loved the holidays and went all out whether he was cutting down the tree or carving pumpkins for Halloween. Second only to his family was the love he had for the Cubs. This year when the Cubs were in the World Series he made everyone love them, and he waved his Cubs flag on the porch until his arms were ready to drop. An all around sports fan, he always had sports on the television and the radio. He loved to rock out with all the big hair bands, most recently dragging Lana out to see Ted Nugent. He loved hanging out with his cousin, Jimmy, and his friend, Ray, and these were some of his most precious memories. Pat loved movies, and although he enjoyed action films he was also a romantic at heart.

Always a simple guy, Pat was just fine with a Bud Light and he drank his coffee black. He spent Sunday mornings over coffee and donuts, and everyone knew not to touch the paper until he was done. He loved all-American foods: hot dogs, mac and cheese, and sloppy joes. Pat enjoyed being outside working in the garden and feeding the birds in his yard.

When reflecting on the life of Patrick Stier, it is easy to see that no one met him and left unchanged. He had a sly and fun-loving sense of humor, yet he was also one of the most compassionate and selfless people around. He always rooted for the underdog, and had a special way with babies and young children. Pat was so thoughtful and considerate and could effortlessly connect with people.

Pat was the sort of person who had friends everywhere he went even managing to come across people he knew while on every vacation. Polite, proper, and a man of sound moral principle, Pat was an inspiration to everyone he met. Private and reserved, he was someone who thought things through, and his wisdom was easy to see. A loving husband, remarkable father, and devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend, Pat will be forever missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Patrick John Stier passed on February 17, 2017. Pat’s family includes his wife, Lana (Rocha); daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia; mother, Kathyleen; siblings, Mike (Nancylee) Stier, Jeff (Cindy) Stier and Cristy Ernst; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Pat was preceded in death by his father, Herb Stier. Visit with family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Cremation will follow. Please visit Pat’s personal memory page at www.betzlerfuneralhome.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.