Theresa Stahl Obituary

Theresa "Tudie" Stahl, 90, of La Grange, MO, passed away at 1:08 PM, Monday, May 26, 2025, at Country Aire Retirement Estates in Lewistown, MO.

 A Mass of Christian burial was at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 2, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Quincy, IL. Father Greg Meystrik officiated. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

 Friends and Family were invited to Theresa's visitation that was held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Sunday, June 1, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Quincy, IL.

 Arrangements were under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home in La Grange, MO.

 Theresa was born April 1, 1935, in Quincy, IL, to George Dreyer and Emma Steinkamp Dreyer. She was married to Meloy "Bud" Stahl of La Grange, MO, on August 20, 1955, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Quincy, IL.

 She is survived by her husband, Meloy, 8 children, Beverly Daggs, Brenda Lay (Kevin Herman), Kevin (Luann) Stahl, Kent (Angela) Stahl, Donald Stahl (Diann Kaylor), Debra (Russ) Reiter, Thomas (Sara) Stahl, Timothy (Gail) Stahl, brother and sister-in-law, Norbert & Florence Dreyer, sisters-in-law, Anna Mae Dreyer, Virginia Brinkman, Joan Cannady, Kathleen Dietrich, grandchildren, Angela (Ronnie) Hamlin, Amanda (Ben) Hesse, Robyn (Francis) Ginther, Ashley Lay (Mark White), Matthew Stahl, Kimberly (Jarred) Mauck, Kelley (Kyle) Smith, Kendra (Zach) Goodwin, Rachel (Christian) Gillespie, Blake Stahl, Ryan and Nicholas Reiter, Nathan and Kaycie Stahl, great grandchildren, Macy and Isabella Hamlin, August and Newt Hesse, Kaeden, Marlowe, Ossie and Serenity Ginther, Breck and Lucy Mauck, Lydia and Lillian Bliven, Bella and Dawson Smith, Knoxleigh, Kora and Keenan Goodwin, Finley and Averie Gillespie and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Theresa was preceded in death by her parents George and Emma Dreyer, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Noah and Eleanor Stahl, son-in-law Ned Daggs, sister, Virginia Omer, brothers, Raymond Dreyer, Alfred (Virginia) Dreyer, Maurice (Joan) Dreyer, Eugene (Rosalyn) Dreyer, William Dreyer, sister-in-law, Norma (Kenneth) Obert, brothers-in-law, Leroy Brinkman, Ray Cannady and Maurice Dietrich.

 Theresa's education began in a one-room schoolhouse concluding at St. Anthony's, where a strong foundation was laid for life-long learning and dedication of service to the church and community. She was an active member of Notre Dame Catholic where she was a member of Parish Council, Liturgy Committee, Building Committee, and taught religious education to several generations of catechumens. She gladly co-chaired social activities of the church including celebrations and funerals as part the St. Mary's Altar Society. She supported the activities of the La Grange Lions Club and was a member of the Lewis County Nursing Home Auxiliary.

 Greeting everyone with a smile and a hug, Theresa had the heart of a servant and caregiver. Her family was always first on her mind and in her prayers. An infectious smile and strict but fair demeanor left a lasting impression on all who were welcomed into her home. She took pride in making meals for her family, canning, and butchering food that she and Bud raised on their farm. She was especially proud of her pies, and the family recipe cinnamon rolls she made for special occasions. She was the family's historian keeping all special events recorded, especially during the floods of 1973 and 1993 when the family lived on an "island" surrounded by the flood waters of the Mississippi, always keeping a watchful eye out for snakes.

As a farm wife, travel was limited, however she enjoyed memorable trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, and Canada. Tudie, Bud, and all eight children took an adventurous trip to Louisiana that left a lasting impression on all of them. Theresa enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, playing cards and games with her family, and attending community events. She attended mass faithfully.

Theresa's legacy of love, kindness and optimism will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of crossing her path.

Pallbearers were Kevin, Kent, Donald, Thomas & Timothy Stahl and Russ Reiter.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the La Grange Lions Club or the Knights of Columbus Mass of Shut-in (Quincy, IL).