Albert Stellman Obituary

Albert Henry Stellman, age 79, of Cheboygan, died at home on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The son of Henry and Esther (Freytag) Stellman, he was born in Cheboygan on October 6, 1945.
Al graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1963 and not long after married Kay Shampine in Cheboygan. To their union were born two daughters and a son, who were Al's greatest accomplishment during his 79 years of life. Shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Al entered the U.S. Army. He served proudly during the height of the Vietnam War from January of 1966 until his honorable discharge on Christmas day of 1967. Serving with the 44th Artillery, Sgt. Albert Stellman's unit was responsible for supporting infantry assaults, suppressing enemy position, and disrupting supply lines while constantly adapting to the terrain, adverse weather, and logistical challenges. For his honorable service he received numerous decorations, including the Purple Heart, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, and two Bronze Service Stars with the Vietnam Service Medal, not to mention the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter badge, and Overseas Service Bar.
Al was raised with his brother and five sisters on the family farm in Benton Township. Growing up on a farm shaped Al into a hardworking man and nurtured his lifelong passion for farming. Over the course of his life, Al had various jobs including his first, working at an apple orchard, then several construction jobs, a supervisor position at Royal Linen, working for George Galbraith at The Landings, as well as his longtime employment at Proctor and Gamble from 1968 until 1990 where he worked in various capacities. And through all the jobs he held over the years, Al continued farming. Farming was in his blood; it was part of who he was and he took great pride in being a farmer. When he wasn't farming for himself, he worked for other local farmers during the busy planting, haying, and harvesting seasons.
An avid outdoorsman, Al enjoyed fishing on Duncan Bay and on the Cheboygan River, deer hunting, and shooting skeet with his buddies. He had admiration for a quality firearm and respect for a good shot. He was a little bit of a motorhead; he loved big engines and excessive speed. Back in the day, he might have been involved in a few drag races on Cheboygan County roads! During the early 1970's he raced snowmobiles in area racing events and buzzed around during the summer months in his dune buggy. As he grew older and wiser, Al's need for speed mellowed and he stuck to driving tractors, however he still enjoyed watching an exciting race, appreciated a powerful motor, and loved watching NASCAR.
Very mechanically inclined, Al had a natural talent for understanding and fixing machines and equipment. His knowledge and experience were more insightful than any manual. He also had an appreciation for superior equipment and well-made tools. He loved Kubota Tractors, Stihl tools, and tinkering on projects in his pole barn. He enjoyed watching old Westerns on television, visiting with friends and family, and going out to eat. Al had a tender place in his heart for his canine companions, Bags, Sidney, and Oak.
Al had a tight bond with his siblings, especially with his only brother, Willy. Quite the characters, the two of them were always up to shenanigans with Al having a knack for making his brother laugh. As a husband and father, Al always put his family first and worked hard to give them everything they needed. At times he was stubborn, however with the culmination of all his life experiences it is understandable he was set in his ways. He was humble, hardworking, and practical with a heart full of love for his family.
He is survived by daughters, Maryanne (Kurt) Beard of Cheboygan and Sherry Ormsbee (Darryl Hirsch) of Afton; son, Albert Stellman II of Cheboygan; and five grandchildren, Nicholas, Rachel, Autumn, Dalton, and Alaina. Al also leaves his sisters, Julie Summey of North Carolina, Lillian Stellman, Esther Stellman, and Dorothy (LeRoy) LaVigne, all of Cheboygan; as well as his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William "Willy" Stellman; and sister, Ruth Ann Seaman.
Al's family will receive friends at the Black River Gathering Place at 2732 Orchard Beach Road in Cheboygan on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 10 AM until the time of his memorial service and military honors beginning at 11:00 AM. Al's nephew, Pastor James Seaman will officiate. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in the spring. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Albert Stellman to any organization that helps veterans.
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