Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
1029 Washington Street
Columbus, Indiana
Earl Stam Obituary
He married the love of his life, Ruthann Schwartzkopf on June 22, 1956. He is survived by a sister Wendola Thompson; five children: Scott (Pippa) Stam, Keith (Tracy) Stam, Gary (Shanthi) Stam, Aleta (Kip) Kiel and Angie Ballard; fifteen grandchildren: Heidi Lawrence, Heather (Carlos) Florido, Eric (Jaylyn) Stam, Katie (Brian) Irk, Jessica (Josh) Meek, Kasey (Shannon) Collins, Jake, Josh and Devin (Olivia) Stam, Caleb (Aleda) Stam, Drew, Dusty (Jessica) and Gunner Kiel, Garvin Ballard, Macy (Ben) Copple; and 20 great grandchildren: Paige, Breanna and Noah Lawrence, Liz, Bella and AJ Florido, Charlotte, Rose and Wrigley Irk, Adalyn Stam, Ryder, Hayden, Jaxton and Tatum Meek, Calum Stam, Evie and Harper Collins, Winry Stam, Lennox and Emory Kiel; as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were Ruthann and two sisters, Wanda Jones and Emogene Alfs.
He taught high school music at North Vernon High School (2 years) and then Franklin High School (2 years). One summer he performed at Starlight Musicals (summer stock) then traveled to New York to audition for a broadway show. He was a cast member of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". After Broadway he came home to Columbus and was the manager of Camera and Hobby Shop for thirteen years. He was a salesman with 3M Company for five years, Graphics Manager with Cummins for two years and founder and owner of Univision satellite tv for nine years.
Earl and Ruthann performed music at numerous weddings and funerals. Earl directed and Ruthann accompanied several Lutheran church choirs in Bartholomew County for most of their adult life.
A celebration of life service will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church-Clifty with the Rev. Douglas Bauman officiating. Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street. A private family graveside service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery..
The family request that in lieu flowers memorial contributions be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Stam
5 Entries
Kathleen Levens
November 7, 2025
Deepest sympathy in these sad times. Prayers for peace. God bless you.
Bruce Burkett
November 6, 2025
How wonderful it is to remember his charm and personality. How thankful I am to have been able to call him a friend for nearly sixty years. Thoughts of Earl have always made me smile and always will. I honor you, Earl. Rest with your Lord.
Renee Strietelmeier
November 5, 2025
We loved Earl. He was always full of jokes and hugs.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Earl Stam's name
Memorial Events
for Earl Stam
Nov
11
Funeral services provided by:
Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Homes and Crematory - Washington St.1029 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201
How to support Earl's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Earl Stam's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
