Leonard David Stader Jr.

L. David Stader, Jr., age 92, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021. “Dave” was born November 13, 1929, in Caro, MI. He played HS basketball, as well as being an active Thesbian. Dave enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 years old. Upon graduating from Caro HS, he attended Western Michigan University. There he continued to serve in the Naval Reserves, studied business, joined Theta Chi Delta fraternity, and met the love of his life, Carol Anne Kurth. Upon graduating Carol and Dave married, living briefly at the Naval Academy in Maryland, next Dearborn, MI, then Farmington Hills, MI for 31 years. He continued to serve in the Navy, reaching the rank of commander and retired after 20 years. Dave participated in many community endeavors, serving as the Township Trustee for several years, over a decade on the planning commission, and was part of the committee that started and built the Beechview Swim Club. He gave of his backyard for neighborhood baseball and capture the flag games, gladly sharing with all kids from the neighborhood. He introduced his children to the pleasures of travel, exposing his family to a mix of outdoor adventure and historical lessons, while exploring much of America. He worked in the accounting department at Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 33 years. Upon retiring the couple moved to Canadian Lakes, Mi. for 17 years, where he was an avid golfer and mainstay in the CL Players group. He was a long-time member of the Elks Club and Royal Arch Masons, a Salvation Army bell ringer, and a meals-on wheels volunteer delivery person. He was a life-long member of the WMU alumni association. He moved to Beacon Hill in GR at age 80 where he and his late wife remained active by attending GR symphony, plays, and jazz-in-the-park. He was known for his joviality and booming laugh. Dave was a very social being – he loved gathering with friends, including bridge club, golfing, shooting pool, dinner parties, and attending church where he served as a deacon. He loved new friends as well as keeping constant with old friends. He was very appreciative of all the kind help he received during his final years at BH.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Carol Anne Stader who passed on November 14, 2014. He is survived by his two children, son David D. (Cynthia) Stader of Holland, MI; and daughter, Morgaine Salomae Hill of Port Townsend, WA; two grandchildren, Nathan Stader of Grand Rapids, MI, and Jasmine (Joel) Millman of Driggs, ID, and great-granddaughter, Adley Grace Stader.

Dave donated his body to the Willed Body Program for human anatomical study at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, First Park Congregational Church, 10 East Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or the Beacon Hill Foundation, 1919 Boston Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.