Maria Stull

People of faith recognize the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, and Maria Stull was the embodiment of that sentiment. Her door was always open, especially to family - and friends were family. She not only built a safe and warm place for her family to flourish, but she also extended welcoming arms toward others. Known for her hospitality and generous nature, she filled her home with love, joy, and memories that all her guests were able to carry with them when they left.

In September of 1966, a couple in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, were awaiting the healthy arrival of their second child. Connor and Anne (Koening) Loesch were delighted and grateful to welcome little Maria on September 16, 1966.

Connor worked as an IBM executive and often had to move his family due to employment transfers early in his career. The Loesch home eventually included seven children, and Anne managed their bustling household, choosing to set her math teaching job aside until the kids were all out of grade school. Maria was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Madison, Wisconsin, and Olympia Fields, Illinois. She graduated from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, IL in 1984.

Maria did not like moving and it caused a bit of a rebellious streak. She once forged her father’s signature on a spelling test she did poorly on. It did not work. School wasn’t all bad, though. She played the oboe in the concert band and was in the marching band color guard as well as president of their National Champion marching band. Her extended family was very close, and she had many cousins attending the same high school, Mary and Carmen in particular. She also had plenty of friends, especially Jennifer, and made many happy memories.

After Maria graduated, she applied to only one college: St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, just outside of Green Bay. A Catholic liberal arts college in a small town, it was a perfect fit for her. She majored in psychology and later got her master’s degree in social work from Loyola University in Chicago. In her last semester at Loyola, Maria interned at the American Medical Association (AMA) in Chicago.

While Maria was interning there, a young man named Craig Stull was working on his senior project at Kalamazoo College while working at the AMA. Their paths crossed, and when Craig saw the sunlight shining on Maria’s beautiful blonde hair on a lunchtime walk, he knew she was the one. Of course, Maria’s infectious laugh, innate compassion, and incredible kindness confirmed that he had made the right choice. At first the two of them got to know each other by going to lunch with friends, and they worked on projects together. On the last day of Maria’s internship, Craig asked her out officially and she said yes. A first date to Ranalli’s Pizza and Second City sealed the deal.

Maria and Craig maintained a long-distance relationship for about six months, and then he took a job in Chicago to be near her. Craig was inspired by her deep faith and converted to Catholicism in 1992. On January 2, 1993, Maria and Craig married at Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church in Flossmoor, Illinois.

Maria and Craig were blessed with three children, Luke in 1995, Elizabeth in 1997, and Emily in 2000. Maria was joyfully intentional about showing her support and commitment to the family. All three kids played multiple sports and Maria was at every game, match, and tournament. Her favorite time of the day was picking the kids up from school because they were “forced” to talk to her. She made dinner for them every night at 6:30. Everyone had to sit at the table, and if someone was late because of practice, she would wait to eat with them. She loved holding her kids’ hands, and was never the first to let go after the Lord’s Prayer.

The Stulls took many vacations as a family. On their road trips, Maria often reaching into the back seat to hold the children’s hands. When the kids were young, the family farm in Indiana was a favorite destination. Anytime they were near Chicago, Maria insisted on stopping at Aurelio’s pizza. She loved cruises, and one of her favorite parts was snorkeling. Every Christmas they took a cruise to the Caribbean. Maria also took a memorable European cruise with her daughters in 2023. She loved these vacations because the family was together for every meal and activity for a week straight. These were the times she cherished.

Maria’s organizational skills shone when she was planning their vacations and as office manager at Craig’s chiropractic clinic after Emily was born. On top of keeping him organized and managing all the kids’ activities, she reveled in hosting dinners, parties, and game nights. She loved bringing people together - and beating them at Scrabble.

Maria wanted to be everyone’s friend, and as soon as anyone met her, they wanted to be her friend, too. She welcomed anyone at any time and went out of her way to make sure they were comfortable. Her laugh remained the same as it was the day Craig met her, hearty, joyful, and contagious. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, when up to 50 friends and family would attend. She lived the Thanksgiving attitude all throughout the year.

Maria’s family meant everything to her. When she found out she was going to be a grandmother, she literally jumped up and down with joy. Mathias Patrick Stull was born on February 11, 2025. The last thing she saw was a photo of the newborn Mathias. She passed the next day at home, surrounded by the ones she loved, and those who loved her.

Maria often said, “Life isn’t fair, but it’s not about being fair, it’s about making the best of it.” She lived out that saying through good times and bad. She was always ready with a meal, a smile, or a hug, and she showed her family how to take care of others no matter what. Her faith, joy, and laughter will ensure that her memory will never fade. Her legacy of kindness and faith lives on through her husband and children, and the many others who were touched by her light.

Maria died on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Connor and Anne (Koening) Loesch. Surviving is her husband, Craig; children: Luke (Maria), Elizabeth, and Emily; a grandson, Mathias Patrick; siblings: Marty (Cyndi) Loesch, Carl (Marie) Loesch, Katie (Andres) Loesch, Matt (Jackie) Loesch, Anne (Doug) Gordon, and John (Nikki) Loesch, many nieces and nephews and her faithful puppy, Cal.

There will be a Life Story Visitation on Tuesday, February 18, from 4 - 7 PM, with a rosary at 7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo. A mass will be held Wednesday, February 19, at 11AM at St. Monica Catholic Church, 4408 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo MI, 49008. Celebrate Maria’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Monica Catholic Church.