Richard "Rick" Stirlen

Stirlen, Richard 'Rick' passed away on January 11, 2008 at 11 p.m., surrounded by family and loved ones. Rick was born on August 30, 1925 in Kansas City, Kansas to Clarence and Rose (Merritt) Stirlen. He was the youngest of six children. He lived in Kansas City, Missouri until 1945 when he came to St. Louis to work as an insurance investigator. Rick retired at the age of 70 as a casualty investigator from GAB. In 1955 he married Patricia Jo 'PJ' Dalbey from Marion, Illinois. Together there were 3 children of this union: Susan Diane, Joan Marie and Mark James. In addition, Rick was the father of Mike Mitchell of Kansas City, Missouri and Susan Paine of Downey, California. In 1993 Rick and Pat adopted their youngest grandchildren, Jennifer Diane and Alexander Richard. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years and 9 months, Patricia; daughters, Susan Newman (Lee) and Joan Stirlen; grandchildren Justin Gould (Sara), Jennifer Stirlen and Alex Stirlen and great-grandchildren, Zoe and Zeke Gould. He is also survived by his sister Virginia Brock (Wolcott) and nieces and nephews: George Fouts, Jacqueline Schiller, Robert Brock, Beverly Ridenhour, Marilyn Moore. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Clare Morgan, Allene Fouts, Jay Stirlen and Clarence Stirlen; his son, Mark Stirlen and nephew Dennis Stirlen. He is also survived by many special lifelong friends: the Jerome Duff family, Marty Bronson, Ron and Sheila Dewell, Sandy Fouts and Donna Taylor. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Nessie. Our special thanks to Dr. Robert Tague, Dr. Seiichi Noda and his nurse Tina.Services:According to his wishes, Rick donated his body to Washington University Medical School. A memorial celebration of 'all that is Rick' will be held on Sat., Jan. 19, 2008 at 1 p.m. at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois. Rick's adamant wishes were that instead of flowers, donations may be made on behalf of those charities he supported: the Humane Society, Animal Rescue or Feed My People.