Margaret J. Stahmann

Stahmann, Margaret J.
With earthly sorrow and heavenly joy, Margaret Jeane Stahmann of Gainesville, Florida was called home to her Lord on May 26, 2018, at the age of 91. Jeane, as she was known by all, was born in Belle Plain, Iowa on Feb. 26, 1927 where she grew up on a farm as Jeanie Hatt, daughter of Lawrence B. and Bessie (Burgin) Hatt. Eventually, the family wound up in San Francisco where her dad worked as a boilermaker at the Naval shipyard. Her future husband, James R. Stahmann a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, was stationed there. They met and were married on Dec. 22, 1946. Jim decided not to re-enlist and they moved to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota so he could pursue a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Minnesota. There Jeane and Jim began to raise a family, where her children Robert James Stahmann, Nancy Joan Stahmann, Cheryl Susan Stahmann Breon, and Jane Christine Stahmann Thomas were born.

Jim's employment and educational needs caused a move to Gainesville, to pursue his doctoral degree at the University of Florida. Later, her family resided in Hollywood, FL followed by a move to Merritt Island, FL. She returned to Gainesville in 1993 after the passing of her husband Jim.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one sister, Betty Schutte. She is survived by all of her children, her brother Gordon Hatt (with wife Judi), as well as her son-in-law Ben Breon and daughter-in-law Mary Stahmann. She also has six grandchildren, Tadd Stahmann, Joshua Stahmann, Elisabeth Stahmann, Rebecca Breon White, Lindsey Thomas and James Ryan Thomas. Her nine great grandchildren include Corey Stahmann, Tiffany Stahmann Tomlinson, Abigail Stahmann, Jacob Stahmann, Rebekah Stahmann, Hannah Stahmann, Rachel Stahmann, Naomi Stahmann and her brand-new grandchild, Jack White. She has one great-great grandchild, Gabriel Tomlinson. Her extended family was important to her as well. This included her nephews, Derel Hatt (with wife Pam and daughter Nicole Hatt Waters), Derek Hatt, Danny Schutte and Richard Schutte. Her nieces include Kimberlee Hatt Wilson (and daughter Lauren Wilson), Maryann Reimer Goldstein, Diane Schulman, and Donna Dohrmann.

During her lifetime she was heavily involved in the Lutheran church, most recently as a member of First Lutheran Church in Gainesville. She was involved in many support groups within those organizations. She was also musical, having played organ and piano for services in several churches as well as having sung in various choirs and private groups. Jeane did not want to see people suffer; she supported countless charities throughout her life. As everyone says, she was a kind, sweet, generous woman, and loving mother.

A funeral service for Jeane will be held at First Lutheran Church, 1801 NW 5th Ave. in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, June 2 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to either First Lutheran Church (attn. Basic Nicaragua fund) or Haven E.T. York Care Center, 4200 NW 90 Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 (a Hospice facility). Burial will take place at Brevard Memorial Park in Cocoa, FL at noon on Monday, June 4.
Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES,
311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. (352) 376-5361.