William Stiehl

U.S. District Judge William D. Stiehl, born Dec. 3, 1925, in Belleville, Ill., passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2016.

Judge Stiehl was married for 69 years to his wife, Celeste Stiehl, nee Sullivan, whom he married on June 6, 1947. Judge Stiehl also will be missed by his son, William D. (Mary) Stiehl Jr., and daughter, Susan M. (Bruce) Guthrie; grandchildren, Kathryn (Clay) Frauenfelder, Christina Stiehl (John Austin), William Guthrie and Andrew Guthrie; and great-granddaughter, Gretchen Frauenfelder.

Judge Stiehl believed deeply in living a life of service, integrity and respect for others. President Reagan appointed him a United Stated District Judge in 1986, following a 34-year career as an attorney, making Stiehl the first U.S. District Judge appointed from Belleville. Judge Stiehl became chief judge on June 1, 1992, and served in that capacity until Oct. 1, 1993.

During his time on the bench, Judge Stiehl established the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund using proceeds from a $7 million penalty he had imposed in a criminal fraud case. Judge Stiehl was very proud of the fund which is committed to helping the residents of East St. Louis and Brooklyn move out of poverty, improving the Greater East St. Louis community and, in turn, encouraging others to work to benefit the communities of East St. Louis and Brooklyn. The fund has initiated and funded a wide variety of projects, including a new 911 emergency system, "Operation New Spirit", a comprehensive city-wide clean-up program, over $2 million in scholarships, an eye clinic in partnership with University of Missouri, St. Louis and Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, restoration of the Brooklyn Park in partnership with the Illinois Department of National Resources and the development of the Ted Savage Baseball Field for the children of Brooklyn, Ill.

Judge Stiehl was in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1943 to 1973, retiring as a commander. Judge Stiehl served on active duty in World War II and the Korean War. During the Korean War, he served on Admiral Arleigh Burke's staff, participating in the United Nation's Armistice Negotiations.

In 1948, at the age of 22, Judge Stiehl was elected a member of the board of education of Belleville Township High School and Junior College, and in 1954 was elected president of the board. He also served on the Illinois Constitution Study Commission, the Governor's Advisory Council, and as chairman of the United States Service Academies Selection Board for Senator Charles H. Percy (1967-1978). In September 1954, Judge Stiehl became a Master Mason and has been a member of Ainad Shriners. He was a member of the Federal Judges Association, Federal Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and St. Clair County Bar Association.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children or First United Presbyterian Church.

Visitation: Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at First United Presbyterian Church.

Funeral: Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at the church with Pastor Robert Dyer presiding.

KASSLY MORTUARY, Fairview Heights, Ill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Stiehl

22 Entries

Elaine Ramsay

February 29, 2016

My sympathy to Mary and Bill and all the Stiehl family. From what I have heard and read of Judge Stiehl, he was a great man. We all share your loss. Thinking of you.

Linda Terhune

February 16, 2016

The first word I think of when I remember Judge Stiehl is "gentlemanly." He was always kind and fair.

Bob Dintelmann

February 13, 2016

Our sincere sympathy to Celeste and all the family. Bill was always the gentleman. Joyce and Bob Dintelmann

Sue Reilly

February 12, 2016

Aunt Sissie, Susie and Bill - sending you all our love. What a long, distinguished life to celebrate!

DeeDee & John Graham

February 12, 2016

We send our deepest condolences to the whole Stiehl family. Mrs. Celeste Stiehl, Bill and Mary, Sue and Bruce. All the grandchildren and great-granddaughter. The passing of this great man brings back all the fond memories of years past.

Charles Hamilton

February 11, 2016

Bill, Mary and your extended family: When Bill Stiehl and I were younger men, in the early sixties, he and I represented our respective political parties in a series of debates before various civic groups. Although our views differed, we laughed about our differences and enjoyed a friendship over the years since then. I respected his service on the federal bench and offer you my condolences for the loss of a fine man and a great patriarch of your family!

James Fries

February 11, 2016

Tracey and I wish to send along our condolences to Bill and the rest of the family. Judge Stiehl and Celeste opened their home for Bill and his friends many times and we all have good memories of those days. I remember Judge Stiehl as a man of quiet integrity and wisdom - and I know the family and community will miss him.

Fred and Donna Dintelman

February 11, 2016

Fred and I are so sorry for your loss. You should be so proud of the man you called "Dad". What a legacy he has left!

Linda Jones

February 11, 2016

May God provide comfort and peace to the family of a man's man. He walked in great shoes and had a great heart.
I was proud and delighted to work at the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund. The scholarship recipients and their parents were enriched.

edward adelman

February 10, 2016

My sincere condolences

George Schneider

February 10, 2016

Fair winds and following seas Shipmate

Kevin Martens

February 10, 2016

Judge Stiehl personified what a judge should be. I had the privilege of being an agent on several cases in his court. He was always fair and followed the law.

Judge Stiehl also performed my wedding ceremony which was a great honor for me. He will always be a part of my family. We have lost a great man. My condolences to his family and his court family.

Mike Carr

February 10, 2016

Bill, I was saddened to hear about the death of your Dad and wish you and your family comfort and condolences during this difficult time. In his professional life, your father was an outstanding example of civility, compassion, good humor and competence and I consider myself to be fortunate to have practiced in his courtroom. He will be missed.

Jim and Mary Jane Brauer

February 10, 2016

To Bill and Mary and to your familes, please accept our sympathy for the loss you are feeling. We hope you find joy in the fond memories you all have.

PHIL ODOM

February 10, 2016

SEMPER FI - FELLOW VETERAN
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
You are one of our heroes.
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done.

I wish to extend to members of your family my deepest sympathy on their loss. May the force of GOD be with them as they walk through this difficult time. May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort them and give them strength.

As a grateful Veteran, I leave my sympathy and hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.

SEMPER FI
U. S. MARINE AND VIET NAM VET

Rob Anderson

February 10, 2016

Bill and Mary, I'm sorry to here about the passing of your father. Kathy and I want to express our condolences.He was a great man that raised a great family.

February 9, 2016

We lost a great man. Deepest sympathy to family. Ardell and Ginger Miller

Craig Virgin

February 9, 2016

I sat with Judge Stiehl at several charity banquets in the area that we were both invited to. He was always a delight to visit with and very well informed on a number of subjects. I want to express my sympathy to the family and also thank Judge Stiehl for his many years of service to our state and community... as well as the nation!

David Volk, Jr.

February 9, 2016

Judge Stiehl was a lifelong friend of my father, who served with him in the Navy. He was the consummate gentlemen. He will be greatly missed. Our Prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Stiehl Family

Tom Mcnamara

February 9, 2016

This was a man who exemplified a fair,genuinely sincere judge----and wonderful person--

Brian Heady

February 9, 2016

I clerked for Judge Stiehl for three years. I have nothing but wonderful memories from my experience with Judge Stiehl. I will always hold him in the highest regard. He maintained his sense of humor despite the enormous stress of the job. I shall truly miss him.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results