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Stanford University

FUNERAL HOME

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory - Petaluma

850 Keokuk Street

Petaluma, California

Franz STAHL Obituary

On September 11, Franz Stahl died peacefully in his home with his loving wife Mary Frances by his side. Franz came from a war torn country and was able to realize the American Dream. Born in Hamburg, Germany he was one of the fortunate who survived World War II in the worst of conditions. The gift of sponsorship to America was realized through the generous Kendrick Family of Missouri. A teacher at Petaluma Schools for almost 30 years, his chosen profession was a source of great pleasure and pride. He is remembered for his suit and tie with his Stanford University t-shirt emblem proudly shining through his starched white shirts. Exhibiting saintly patience, Franz taught multiple generations of young Petalumans to drive. Fluent in many languages, a wonderful cook, he will be remembered as a gentle, loving and kind man. For 58 years, he was the dedicated husband of Mary Frances. He was also the cherished father of Angelina and proud grandfather of Kyle Kendrick Scott. He is survived by a large extended family, many friends and loved ones. A Funeral Mass in his honor will be said at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18 at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway. A reception will follow the Mass at the Parish Hall. Please join us to celebrate a life well-lived and fully enjoyed. Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 707-763-4131.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Sep. 16 to Sep. 18, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Franz STAHL

43 Entries

Cathy (Emerick) Harris

September 10, 2025

I was in his driver's Ed classes. Much sympathy to his family and friends

Catherine Harris (Emerick)

September 10, 2022

I had him as a teacher in high-school , drivers education. Much sympathy to his family and friends
May he rest in peace

Bridgit Lee

September 27, 2014

Thank you for being the kind of teacher you were, I am grateful!

Christopher Linnell

September 26, 2014

RIP to the guy who taught me how to drive. Driving was essential in my career as an entertainer, and even more important as a tour guide and FedEx driver. He taught me well. I still hear his voice each time I parallel park! He was strict but fair. And a good teacher...very professional. Danke schoen, Herr Stahl, for the lessons. Auf Wiedersehen!

http://www.facebook.com/FedExChristopher

Bill Meadows

September 25, 2014

I loved Mr. Stahl. Not only was he an excellent driving instructor but he had such a great, dry sense of humor. Never a dull moment in his class. Rest in Peace Mr. Stahl.

Jennifer Albini

September 21, 2014

Mr. Stahl taught me to drive at Casa Grande. He was one of my favorite teachers. My prayers go out to his family for their loss.Je

Christina Carrillo

September 19, 2014

My condolences to the Stahl family. Stahl was my driving instructor as well. I remember him picking me up at the house in Ford. I went to get in the back and he said no your driving.
So on the donut shop. He sat inside, had his one donut came out and set his cup of coffee on the dash.
I waited a minute and he says, what are you waiting for? I said are you going to hold your coffee? Nope he says, you drive through the parking lot and don't spill my coffee. I don't think I took my eyes off his cup.
You will be missed Blinky, Blinky, looky looky. Rip Mr. Stahl

Deborah Tillett

September 19, 2014

I also had mr stahl for drivers ed. I remember diving to the donut shop and you thought the first time oh wow he's going to buy me a donut. But then he would come out and say o no these are for my house. He was an ecpxcellent driving instructor. Deepest regrets.

Stephen Beyer

September 18, 2014

Mr. Stahl, you were a blessing to your students. I consider myself fortunate to have had you as my instructor. You DID make a difference.
Auf Wiedersehen Kamerad
Casa 84

Patricia Steiding

September 18, 2014

Like others, I had Mr. Stahl for Driver's Education at Casa Grande (early 1979). He was an excellent teacher, he could be intimidating at times, though I don't think it was intentional just his stern & proper presence. When it came time to be "behind the wheel" I use to get so nervous that if he said turn left I would turn right. Ah the memories.
My condolences go out to the Stahl family. He will be missed, as well as remembered fondly! R.I.P. Mr. Stahl!

Glenn Hildebrant

September 17, 2014

I had Mr. Stahl as my drivers ed teacher both in the classroom and out on the roads of Sonoma County.That was back in 1980.He was an excellent teacher and a person of great character.

Michelle Kaye Fitzgerald

September 17, 2014

Many times over the years I have thought of Mr. Stahl and wondered how he was doing. He was a wonderful teacher! I learned history from tales of his experiences that he chose to share. And as with so many others, he taught me to drive. I was terrified of driving. I think, I inched us around the block at 2 mph. I can still remember him saying, "Pick it up... Pick it up!" One time, I can remember slamming on the brakes because a bird was in the road -- many, many feet ahead -- the car lurched to a sudden stop and Mr. Stahl's briefcase flew from the backseat forward. He just smiled and shook his head in a "heaven help me" kind of way. He kept encouraging me and eventually, I too learned to drive. He was a man of amazing patience. How he persevered in teaching us all to drive, I will never know. To this day (knock on wood), I've never had a car accident and I have an excellent driving record.

Mr. Stahl was kind beyond measure. I will always remember his smile and his enthusiasm for teaching. I remember a few of us from class purchased him a blue tie as a gift at the end of the course. I had never bought a tie before. I think he liked it very much. He was always so professional and well-dressed. To his family: I am so sorry for your loss. He was truly a wonderful man and he will be very much missed. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Susan Campiglio

September 17, 2014

Rest Easy, Mr.Stahl.
I admired you so much as my teacher at Casa Grande.
You will be missed. +++

Debbie Lee

September 17, 2014

My condolences to the Stahl family. Mr. Stahl was one of my favorite teachers. I can still hear his calm yet firm instructions..accelerate..accelerate..merge! I have fond memories of our Saturday morning donut runs for Mrs. Stahl and his stories of his experiences with past students. He never lost his patience...heaven knows he had reason to! RIP dear Mr. Stahl.

Kim (Cook) Williams

September 17, 2014

God Bless you Mr. Stahl for your grace and patience. I will always remember your pillar of strength and wonderful sense of humor. Although when you mentioned to me that the brake pedal is the big one in the middle am sure you were not joking! hah! Kim "Andretti" (Cook)Williams

Louise De Souza

September 17, 2014

Mr. Stahl was also my driver's ed teacher in 75/76. I had previous driving experience so I felt comfortable. I still must have made him nervous because I can still remember, in his low German accent without raising his voice, to SLOW DOWN - SLOW DOWN - SLOW DOWN. Great memories and a great man. My condolences to his family.

Frank Murphy

September 17, 2014

He was an excellent teacher and a great mentor, we will all miss him. RIP Mr. Stahl.

Lani Smiley

September 17, 2014

World History team taught my Mr. Stahl, Roy Lattimore, and Don Read -- 1963-64. Great team. I remember Mr. Stahl's sense of humor and a picture of him with a stove pipe hat. Condolences to his family.

Karen Street-Astin

September 17, 2014

I have many fond memories of Mr. Stahl and think of him often. I had so much fun with him during drivers ed. I remember him picking up donuts for his wife. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and nerves of steel. He will be missed greatly.

Jennie Sager-Wargo

September 17, 2014

Thanks for the great driving lessons! And the "A" in class! You were one of the great teachers at casa with a witty sense of humuor! May you RIP!

Denise (Groncki) Dempsey

September 16, 2014

I will always remember Mr. Stahl and how patient and kind he was teaching Driver's Ed at Casa Grande. Many of his words still ring in my mind on a regular basis while driving: "Blinker, look and go!" Thank you Mr. Stahl!

Michael Cole

September 16, 2014

May you rest in peace Mr. Stahl. You gave many of us the power to drive and freedom to get around Petaluma. You were a fantastic teacher and person and will be forever missed

Cindy Jacob

September 16, 2014

Mr. Stahl was such a great teacher and a truly brave man. He had to be to get into a car with all of us. I am so grateful to have been in his class. He will be missed.

Gina Lyle-Griffin

September 16, 2014

I enjoyed having him as a teacher and instructor, although always composed it seemed as is a smile was always under the surface. He was a great driving instructor. I am glad he had a long and adventurous life. Sending good wishes to the family.

Andy Baur

September 16, 2014

One of my favorite teachers at Casa Grande! I remember fondly our driver's ed class with Ken Burnett, Glenn Beyer, and so many others… Heartfelt condolences to the Stahl family; please know that Mr. Stahl was very well liked and well respected as a teacher and person.

Cher Machado

September 16, 2014

Mr. Stahl you will be truly missed! You taught me how to drive a car and what it feels like to hit a tree when backing up. I haven't hit a tree yet. You were very patient with me trying to teach me German. You were such a nice man. I just wish I could of seen you one more time to say thank you for teaching us thru the years at Kenilworth and Casa.

Ginger Pate Martin

September 16, 2014

What a wonderfully patient man...he was my Driver's Ed and Math teacher. He was polite and reserved, but every now and then, you could tell he was amused. Rest in peace, Mr Stahl.

aimee lute

September 16, 2014

Mr. Stahl, I remember you teaching me how to drive with your yoddling music blaring, and your foot on the brake. You were great and you will be missed!!!

Michele Colyer-Thomas

September 16, 2014

I to had Mr Stahl for drivers ED. I remember running around and doing his errands. It was fun. So layed back. May God be with him and his family.

Pete Van Dyke

September 16, 2014

Mr. Stahl was my drivers ed instructor, what a joy to have and I can still see him walking to class in his suit! What a classy man. RIP Mr. Stahl and drive safe.

Jose Cordero NYC

September 16, 2014

He became my driver ed teacher cause I was driving by him with my mom in the passinger sit.

Rita Foakes

September 16, 2014

My condolences to the whole family during this difficult time.

Tom Conklin

September 16, 2014

I retell the story of Mr. Stahl as a Driver's Ed teacher... As I enter Hwy 101 in a low powered Ford sedan with three other students, he loudly says "FLOOR IT, FLOOR IT" is his best German accent. To this day, that is how I enter every freeway entrance. RIP Mr. Stahl.

John Brandon

September 16, 2014

RIP Mr. Stahl! Not only were you my drivers Ed. instructor, teacher, you were also my neighbor on Purrington Rd. I will miss you! Thank you for being the person you were!

Susan Newton-Frym

September 16, 2014

I also had Mr. Stahl for Driver's Ed at Casa Grande. He was a very nice man with unbelievable patience to deal with all us crazy kids. He's probably in heaven right now teaching refresher courses. RIP Mr. Stahl and my condolences to his family. Casa Class of 79!!

Stephanie Lowery-Jason

September 16, 2014

As with most of us, he was my driver instructor as well. I will always remember Blinky Blinky Blinky & Up Up & Away. Things that I am tell my kids all the time as fond memories. He will be missed by many. Sending my thoughts to your family. Class of 93

Daniel Rodarte

September 16, 2014

My condolences to the family of this wonderful man. I can still hear his voice calling me Mr. Rodarte as a drivers Ed. student at Casa Grande back in 1977-78. He was very patient, never raised his voice to his students. I remember him quite fondly. My deeps sympathies to you all. May he rest in the embrace of our Lord.

Donna Behrs

September 16, 2014

He was my driving teacher ..a wonderful man one of my favorite teachers

September 16, 2014

Mr. Stahl was my and my husband's Drivers Ed. instructor, 20 years later we were living in Germany driving the roads of his beautiful homeland and remembering him fondly. Heart felt condolences to his family. Bobbi and Mark Thomas, Casa Grande, class of 79.

Cathy (Emerick) Harris

September 16, 2014

I also had him in drivers ed as well... He was patient with me amazingly enough. he will be well missed..

Dan Rothbard

September 16, 2014

My thoughts are with you, Mary.

Aja Yee-Hallin

September 16, 2014

I had Mr. Stahl as my Driver's Ed teacher at Casa Grande. We called him "The Franz" (reminiscent of the Happy Days show). As I was also taking German, I remember trying to speak to him in German as well. Mr. Stahl was a very nice, kind man and teacher. My sympathies to his family.

jean schreibstein

September 16, 2014

Mr. Stahl was my driver's ed teacher at Casa Grande in 1978. He said I was the only kid who ever took his class who had never driven anything before, not even a motorbike, lucky I didn't get in an accident. "Put on the brake" were his constant words. Well RIP Mr. Stahl, nothing but fond memories of you.

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