Steven Walter Stanelle

Steve Stanelle, 76, a revered father and grandfather, passed away on May 8, 2025, in Columbus, Georgia. 

Graveside services will be held at 1:30PM Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 11:00 - 12:00 PM Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Steve was born on November 10, 1948, to Walter Norman and Lorraine Krueger Stanelle, in Green Bay, WI. He is survived by his three sons and their wives, Jason and Amanda of Tacoma, WA, Brett and Kacie of Fayetteville, GA, and Steven and Laura-Ann of Cataula, GA. He also leaves behind five grandchildren.

When Steve was four years old, the family moved to Georgia and soon called Athens home. He graduated from Athens High School, where he played trombone in the band and excelled in ROTC. He attended North Georgia College, where he played defensive tackle for the Alpha Company Animals. He made the All-Star Team his senior year. He graduated in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in psychology. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army the same day. He completed artillery school at Fort Sill, OK and flight school at Fort Wolters, TX. After spending time at Fort Rucker, AL, he was assigned to the 197th Aviation Company at Fort Benning, GA. He flew the UH-1 and OH-6. He rose to the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged in 1975.

Steve pursued employment with the FAA and retired from service as an air traffic controller in 2004. During his career, he worked the towers in Athens, GA, Columbus, GA, and Pensacola, FL.

Steve was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Most of his service as an Assistant Scout Master was to Troop 100, the Adventurers. Scouting allowed him to spend time in the great outdoors, with his sons, and influencing other youth. He was the proud father of two Eagle Scouts. He was known as the "Mountain Who Gives Back" among the Chattahoochee Lodge, having received the Vigil Honor, as well as the 2015 Founder's Award. 

Steve was a dedicated father, youth mentor, and servant leader. He served his country and his community. He will be remembered by many for bringing more care and laughter to the world.