Terry Lamar Stahly

Terry Lamar Stahly, much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed on August 8 at the age of 83.  He had a life full of time spent with family, travel, and connecting with others in everyday encounters. 

He is survived by his wife, Corrie Stahly; daughters Deborah Cook (Fred Ham) and Laura Stahly-Dronkowski (David Dronkowski); grandchildren Lindsay Miller (Derek); Austin Cook (Morgan); Garrett Cook (Jeniece), Zachary Cook (Ali); Carolina Stahly-Dronkowski (Nate Koch); Anneliese Stahly-Dronkowski; Mateo Stahly-Dronkowski, his great grandchildren; Hudson, Myles, Easton, Ruthie, Bennett, Cade, Riggs, Crue,Tate, and Ainsley; and his brothers, Denny (Laura), Bruce (Barb), Steve (Debbie), Kirby (Denise). 

Terry was born on August 16, 1941 in Elkhart, Indiana to Harvey Lamar and Pauline Stahly, and raised in Wakarusa. He lived a life that demonstrated hard work, goodwill, and a sense of humor. After high school, Terry worked for over 20 years at Elkhart Products Corporation (EPC) in their sales department. During his tenure at EPC, he traveled often for business and due to his outgoing personality, he made friends with others from various states within his territory. In later years, Terry could often be found mowing his lawn, splitting wood, tinkering with tools in the garage, or burning debris on the burn pile. He made friends with fire departments in both Indiana and Oregon due to his firebuilding skills or lack thereof. 

He also loved to participate in political and personal view debates, especially with his daughters and grandchildren. He helped them hone their debating skills through discussions and arguments. However, he also knew that relationships were more important than one’s personally held beliefs. 

Terry was also very devoted to his immediate and extended family. He would attend his children’s and grandchildren’s events both in Indiana and in Oregon and was extremely proud of them. He would often strike up conversations with “strangers” to brag about his family. Terry also loved to take his grandkids shopping and would encourage them to find items that they wanted, inspiring their independent thinking. These trips usually featured Terry buying some type of dessert, regardless of the time of day, to satisfy his incredible sweet tooth. Teaching his grandkids that life was too short to postpone dessert until after meals. He also loved reminiscing with family during gatherings; regaling in commonly known family stories as well as ones that they may not have heard him tell. 

Terry will be remembered for his gregariousness, storytelling, sense of humor, and for the love that he so generously bestowed on everyone he met, but especially on his family. He will be greatly missed and even though he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial service will be held at Beulah Missionary Church on Saturday October 4th at 10:30

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.

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