Stella Marie Stade

Private family services for Stella Marie Stade (nee Howell), age 98, of Fairmont, MN will be held at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont with burial held in Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont. Stella went to heaven to meet her husband, Arthur on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. She died peacefully at Mayo Hospital in Fairmont, MN.  The Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

            Stella Howell was born on April 12, 1924, in Martin County. She was the daughter of Gay & Edith Howell. She attended several rural schools and graduated from Fairmont High School in 1942.  After graduation, she worked at Railway Motors making war machine parts until WWII ended.

            Stella married Arthur Stade in 1945. She became a loving mother to his three children, Herbert, Geraldine and Sylvia.

            In 1951 the couple was blessed with a precious son, Russell. He traveled extensively with them and spent many winters in Florida with them. Russ presently lives in a R.E.M. facility located near her condo.

            Stella was a wonderful cook.  She loved to prepare meals for many occasions and also for those in need. She also canned every fruit and vegetable she could put in a mason jar.

            Art and Stella traveled the USA and the world, almost reaching every country.  They enjoyed traveling also in their motorhomes. They spent 38 wonderful years married.

            Stella and Art and Russ also enjoyed many fishing trips. She seemed to always catch the most fish. After Art’s death in 1983, she continued going on fishing trips with Russ.

            They were active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont. She was an avid championship golfer at Interlaken Golf Course winning many trophies.  Art being a pilot they were active in Flying Farmers of America.  Stella was also a member of A.R.C., Leah Circle at her church Interlaken Golf Club and the Hospital Auxiliary.  

            Art built Belle Vue Estates Condos for a smaller place for her to live in after he knew she would be alone after his illness and passing. She lived there and loved her neighboring friends in the Condo.

            She and Art were very instrumental in building the present St. Paul Lutheran Church, R.E.M. buildings and the Handicap Workshop in Fairmont. They were an active part of the handicap activities and helping with their needs.  They were also active in the restoration of the Opera House.

            Stella enjoyed many holidays with family in Fairmont and Blue Earth. She also enjoyed visits from her triplet great grandchildren; Amanda, Kate and Max who live nearby.

            Left to cherish life memories are son, Russell of Fairmont; step-children, Herbert (Joan) Stade of Oakbrook, IL; Geraldine Waltman of Grand Meadow; Sylvia Poetter of Fairmont; sisters Bernice Milbrandt of Fairmont, Dorothy Malo of Fairmont, and Lois Olson of Fairmont, 8 grandchildren Jeff (Denise) Poetter of Eagan, Dan (Shellie) Poetter of Blue Earth, Steve (Kayla) Poetter of Fairmont, Vicky (Gary) Vogt of Grand Meadow, Lori (Tim) Glover of Lino Lakes, Chris (Lori) Waltman of Monroe, WA, Karen (Scott) Krill of Geneva, IL and Shari (Tom) Hense of Cohassett, MA, 25 great grandchildren and 32 great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, Pickles her cat and special caregiver, Pam Garlitch. 

            Stella is preceded in death by her husband Art, parents, brother Merlyn, sister Jane and sons-in-law Bob Waltman and John Poetter.