Michael “Mike” Stahly

Michael “Mike” Edward Stahly, 56, of Warsaw, IN passed away at 9:40 p.m. on December 16, 2019 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN. His fun-loving stories, quips, and joy for the simple things in life will never be forgotten. Born on January 16, 1963 to parents, Jim Stahly (wife Sharon) and Dana Stahly (Wagner). He was the oldest of their three children, Shelly (Mark) Aker and Jason Stahly. Mike graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1981 before attending Ball State University. He is survived by his wife, Pamela (Wildman), two children Taylor and Tyler Stahly, his siblings Shelly Aker, Jason Stahly, Duane Davis, Dale Davis, Greg Davis, and Jennifer Lease, parents, and several nieces and nephews. Remembered by many as “Stinky,” a nickname fondly given to him by his closest of friends and worn as a badge of honor, his young and teenage years were filled with wrestling matches, motocross, and road trips with friends. With a zest for mischief and adventure, he continued finding the fun in life well into adulthood. Always the last to leave a party, Stinky, entertained his family and friends with tales of past shenanigans with his fraternity buddies and endless jokes to keep everyone laughing. A thoughtful kidder, birthday cards were likely printed with the words Happy Anniversary only to have the word anniversary crossed out and replaced with ‘birthday’ in his handwriting. An avid music listener and air guitarist, Mike passed on his love and immense appreciation of a good song to his family. Topping his playlist was The Who, Todd Snider, Styx, Rush, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He found much pleasure in the simple things in life, like a colorful sunset, and found peace when taking in his surroundings. He enjoyed a good campfire well into the night, especially during the annual family salmon fishing trip in Northern Michigan. He also appreciated sailing and boating, golfing, racing, mushroom hunting, playing pool, and working with his hands. All which suited his love of a good ball cap and distaste for suits and ties. He deeply loved his family. He spent much time with his children, raving about his daughter’s long, beautiful hair and training his son to cut lenses and operate the machinery in the lab at the Spectacle Shoppe, the family business in which he served as a lab technician. When not at work, he could be found sharing laughs, more stories, and drinks with his family and friends in Warsaw or on Chapman and Tippecanoe Lakes. With a heart of gold and generosity to a fault, he did not know a stranger. Everyone was greeted with a smile and warmth. Mike leaves behind a legacy of kindness and friendship. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his friends and family. Tremendous heartfelt gratitude goes to the compassionate nurses, chaplains, and staff at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN. The comfort and tenderness provided for Mike and family brought peace and tranquility in a time of sorrow as Mike transitioned from this life into the next. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following on Friday, December 20 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Mike’s long-time friend and fraternity brother, Pastor Dereck Fields, will be officiating the service. Mike will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Memorial gifts may be given toward Mike’s final expenses at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel and would be greatly appreciated by the family. The Mike Stahly Funeral Fund c/o McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel 2290 Provident Ct. Warsaw, IN 46580