Richard Staib

Dick Staib, 79, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away suddenly, surrounded by family Wednesday morning, January 28 of 2026.

Dick leaves a hole in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to call him friend or family; often times the lines between those two categories were blurred. Dick went by many names to those who knew and loved him: Dad, Pops, Grandpa, Poppa Santa, Bubba, and Old Man were just a few.

Dick was born and raised in Battle Creek, MI, and was the only child of Mary (Michela) and Leo Staib. Dick attended St. Philip Catholic Schools, where he excelled at sports and graduated in 1965. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the Army, where he proudly served his country.

When he returned to Battle Creek, he married Patti (Kelley) Staib. They had seven children together. Dick went to work at Eatons in Battle Creek until they closed their doors in 1983. Dick then joined his father, Leo, where together, they remodeled and built homes in Battle Creek as L.W. Staib and Son until his father passed away in 2005. He continued to do light remodeling and winter landscaping, or as he would call it, “snow plowing,” after his father passed and well into his “retirement.” Selfless acts of service were a way of life for him, and so many people benefited from his generous spirit.

Dick loved coaching football, which he did for almost 30 years at St. Philip. What he loved most was watching his kids and grandkids play sports, drinking coffee with his favorite people, playing with his dogs, and watching his Westerns. His family would joke that he could have been John Wayne, but then he wouldn’t have had a hero. He loved Notre Dame and always wore his Fighting Irish hats or hoodies. It’s a testament to his abiding love that he would allow his Buckeye and Wolverine-loving sons to sit at his table. Dick lived to do projects and to show up for his kids’ and grandkids' sporting events. He was always there, even if he had zero sleep from plowing all night. He would be in the stands coaching you in a loud booming smoker's voice. He was the most loyal and supportive man you could ever ask for. All of his kids can attest that at some point, a perfect stranger in a public place would ask if they were a “Staib” and then go on to tell them what a great man their dad was and how much he had impacted their lives. He had a magnetic personality and an infectious smile. His humor created a sense of comfort, and his support made people feel like they could do anything. He was the best father, friend, and mentor. He was always a soft place to land if you had worries or problems. He would call after games and let you know what the coaches should have done, and to tell you he was your biggest fan. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His passing leaves a hole too big to fill, but his legacy will live on through his family and friends.

Dick leaves his love of 30 years, Terri Jordan, his children, Rick (Vicki) Staib, Matt (Lori) Staib, Pete (Jessica) Staib, Chris (Melody) Staib, Mary Ann (Doug-his favorite son-in-law) Shepherd, Dan (Vanessa) Staib, Kate (Emily) Staib, Scott (Trebol) Jordan.

His grandchildren are Rick, Anthony, Nick, Chase, Brandon, Karigan, Jensyn, Blake, Grahm, Adrie, Allee, Harrison, Kendall, Cassius, Kaleb, Sebastian, Matty, Aurora, Isaiah, Caster, Amos, MacKenzie, and Dylan. Dick also leaves behind 6 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Leo Staib, and his mother, Mary Staib.

A Celebration will take place on Saturday February 7th, 2026, from 1PM to 3 PM at St. Phillip Catholic Church Cafeteria.

Per Dick’s request, there will be a celebration of life in the Spring at Walsh Field--date TBD.