Joe Stimmel

1927 - 2017

Dr. John J. "Joe" Stimmel

MANSFIELD: Joe Stimmel passed away Wednesday, June 28th at the Winchester Terrace Skilled Nursing Facility following a massive stroke five days earlier. He was 90. Born February 27, 1927, in Findlay Ohio to Vern and Ruth Stimmel, he was the third of seven children.

Always a lover of music, he sang and taught himself how to play piano, bugle, the ukulele, and drums at an early age. When he was only 15 he was part of a trio that sang on Saturday afternoons over the radio station in Findlay with the "Melody Trio". By 16 he was in a professional Jazz Band, the McDonald Combo, in which he wooed the girls with his rich baritone and amazing talent on drums. The combo played all over the state, and even had three single records made for local broadcasts. One of the girls that fell for the drummer with the dreamy blue eyes would end up being his devoted wife of almost 65 years, Sally (Pifer) Stimmel, also from Findlay.

Right after high school graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, where he served until the War's end, with an Honorable Discharge in August of 1946. He then attended Findlay College and The Ohio State University, where he was elected to the Theta Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Honorary Dental Society). He received his DDS and graduated cum laude from OSU College of Dentistry in 1952.

Throughout college, Joe and Sally were engaged, and Joe paid for his schooling with a variety of jobs: Jazz Band engagements, Postal Office worker, and even a gig demonstrating how to cook different meals using a new line of cookware. After Joe and Sally were married in December of 1952, that cooking gig came in quite handy, as Sally had never learned how to cook. He taught her the art of frying everything, and in a year they'd both gained 20 pounds.

Joe's first official job offer as a Dental School graduate came from Drs. Brown and Pollock, of Mansfield. Dr. Pollock was so impressed with Joe's medical knowledge and abilities that he offered to put him through Medical School to train as an anesthesiologist. However, in 1956, his only child Jennifer Sue Stimmel (Opperman) was born, and more schooling was out of the question. Dr. Stimmel was an excellent Dentist, beloved by many patients for his gentle touch, kind demeanor, and he practiced for over 47 years until retiring in November of 2001.

Joe, also known by his golfing buddies as "José," "Joe Cool," and "Indian Joe," and he truly adored the game of golf. He was a beautiful golfer, winning many trophies and tournaments in the area. He also enjoyed being part of several leagues and social clubs, including a Bowling League, the Mansfield Chapter of the Elks, The University Club, Dental Society of Mansfield, the Exchange Club, and more recently, the Hermits' Club, where he was always up for a game of Tong with the guys.

Continuing to follow his love of music and performance, Joe Stimmel sang for many years in the Congregational Church Choir (under the direction of dear friend Richard Wink), the Mansfield Symphony Chorus, Mastersingers, and the Mansfield Symphony Songsters. He especially enjoyed his years both contributing lyrics to tunes and performing in the Town Roasts alongside the brilliant writing team of Cliff Schutjer and Bill Sharp.

Joe is predeceased by his mother, father, brother, Ronald Stimmel, sister, Margaret (Stimmel) Shelley, sisters-in-law, Rebecca A. Newland, Gretchen (Pifer) Shoop, and niece, Sue Ann (Davidson) Pape. He is survived by his wife Sally, his daughter, Jen (Stimmel) Opperman, his son-in-law, John Opperman, John's children, Amy Opperman Groff (Paul), Jeff Opperman (Paola Bernazzani), and John and Jen's six grandchildren, Ben, Katie, Luca, Wren, Bowen and Cole. He also leaves behind his four devoted sisters: Kathleen A. Phillips (Findlay), Naomi R. Campbell (Hudson), Mary F. Blide (Findlay), Evalyn M. Saylor (Seven Hills); two brothers-in-Law, Peter M. Pifer and Charles Newland; and 25 loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration Memorial at the Life Celebration Reception Center, 129 S. Main St. Mansfield, OH 44902 on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, where refreshments will be served. A memorial service of music and remembrance conducted by Rev. Bruce Haapalainen will be held at The First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Rd. Mansfield, OH 44903 on Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be given to The First Congregational Church or The First Congregational Church Choir, 640 Millsboro Rd. Mansfield, OH 44903 or Winchester Terrace SNF, 70 Winchester Rd. Mansfield, OH 44907.

Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com