Herb Stier

Herbert E. Stier, Jr. was a robust man in his love of life and laughter. Outgoing and friendly, he seemed to know just about everyone, and no one he met remained a stranger for long. He was generous and caring, almost to a fault. It was his nature to give of himself to others, and it delighted him no end to be able to share his big heart with his family. He loved his wife, invested in his children and was over-the-moon about his eight granddaughters.

Herbert Jr. was born November 30, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois at a time when families were trying to make life pleasant in the midst of difficult conditions. The son of electrical engineer Herbert Stier and Elizabeth (Borntraeger) Stier, Herbert came of age during the Great Depression when money was scarce but people were resilient. They learned to do with very little and pulled together as a society. At home, they made their own entertainment, playing parlor and board games or listening to baseball and music on the radio.

Herb was an only child, so quite naturally he found friends with whom he could share his love of sports. Living just three blocks from baseball’s Wrigley Field, he and his buddies were huge fans of the Cubs. Along with following Bear’s football, Herb became a lifelong supporter of Chicago teams, and he wore their caps and jerseys proudly.

After graduating from Lane Tech High School in 1950, Herb attended Wright Junior College where he was a member of the swimming team. He transferred to the University of Michigan in forestry, but his coursework was interrupted in 1953 when he was drafted into the US Army. He never earned his degree, but just after being discharged from the military, Herb’s future was set in motion when he met the lovely Kathyleen Irvine.

Herb and Kathyleen first laid eyes on one another at a sorority party, and as the evening progressed, he asked if she would like a ride home. Never mind that she lived on the other side of town, Herb was eager to get to know Kathyleen better. Over time, their friendship grew into love and commitment, and they were married May 4, 1957 at St. Nicholas Church in Chicago. The newlyweds honeymooned in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and the following year moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Herb went to work for Brunswick, a school furniture woodworking manufacturer, and then at Western Southern Life Insurance company. For most of his career, he was an inspector, and such was the case with General Motors and then with Hydromatic in Three Rivers. He retired 1994, but being the active person that he was, he remained a member at Milham Golf Course, The Knights of Columbus #1616, Irish - American Club, Borgess Fitness Center and St. Joseph Church.

Herb and Kathyleen were blessed with four children: Michael, Jeffrey, Cristy and Patrick. Herb was active in their life of school and sports, going to games and attending special events. As a family, they took camping trips up north, went to Disney, and visited family back in Chicago and Indiana. In retirement, Herb and Kathyleen traveled extensively in Europe, Nova Scotia, Hawaii, Alaska and to a number of Civil War Parks. Having read many books on the Civil War, as well as science fiction, Herb was always in the mood to take in wartime history. Interestingly, he struck up many conversations with fellow travelers because of how he was dressed. His Chicago team T-shirts and caps proved to be great ice-breakers.

When his children were grown with families of their own, Herb was delighted to become a grandfather. Once again, as he had with his children, Herb attended school plays, Girl Scout events and Little League games. He made items for his granddaughters that he crafted in his woodshop in the basement. He had the best of times laughing and singing with them as he drove them here and there. In fact, Herb was as playful as the children, especially around the holidays. For Halloween, he dressed up and decorated the house. He liked big fat Christmas trees, turkey legs and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Day, and his hopping bunny always showed up at Easter.

Herb had a great sense of humor and was a good joke teller. He teased and even laughed at himself, for example, saying he had a "garbage stomach" because he liked to eat just about anything. Not surprisingly, this bigger-than-life man was a fan of John Wayne movies. Still, not even big John could compete with the fun he had listening to sports. Da’ Bears and Cubbies, of course.

In recent years, heart issues slowed Herb down, and he was in and out of hospital frequently. Yet his zeal for life and his love of family never diminished. He adored them all.

Herbert E. Stier, Jr., age 80 of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. Learn more about Herb and visit with his family and friends while sharing some food and refreshments Sunday from 3:00-6:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 269-375-2900 where a rosary will be recited at 5:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by burial at Mt. EverRest Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Members of his family include his wife of 56 years, Kathyleen Stier; 4 children: Michael (Nancylee) Stier, Jeffrey (Cindy) Stier, Cristy (Kevin) Ernst and Patrick (Lana) Stier; 8 grand-daughters: Meghan, Sagan, Elizabeth, Angela, Julia, Alicia, Olivia and Grace Stier. Please visit Herb’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Church or Loaves and Fishes.