Melvon J. Stahl

Melvon J. Stahl, 88, of Goshen, died unexpectedly Sunday, August 6, 2006, at his Greencroft apartment.   He was born April 15, 1918, in Clarksville, Michigan, to John H. and Gertrude (Heffelbower) Stahl.  He married Edna Mae Birkey on October 3, 1938, in Clarksville, Michigan.  She died May 18, 1991.   Mr. Stahl owned and operated a dairy farm near Dafter, Michigan, from 1950 until his retirement in 1980.  Prior to1950 he operated a dairy farm in Clarksville, Michigan.  While living in Michigan he was very supportive of the work of the Wayside Mennonite Church in Brimley. He was instrumental in establishing the Upper Peninsula Mennonite Youth Camp and served 12 years on the Northwood Christian Camp Board.   He moved to Goshen in 1993 and locally volunteered many hours at Greencroft.   Mr. Stahl is survived by a son, Lyle M. (Betty) Stahl of Dafter, Michigan; three daughters, Margaret Mae (Nelson) Gage of West Olive, Michigan, Marlene Rae (Douglas) Clingaman of Brimley, Michigan and Marilyn Ann (Stanley) Troyer of Niles, Michigan; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.   Friends will be received 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 9, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home and also 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, August 10, at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, Pickford, Michigan.   An 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2006, funeral service will be held at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Rev. Gary Martin of Silverwood Mennonite Church, Goshen, and Rev. Vernard Guengerich of Holdeman Mennonite Church, Wakarusa, will officiate.   Burial will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, Pickford, Upper Peninsula, Michigan, where graveside services will be held following the visitation.  Rev. Stanley Troyer will officiate.   Memorial contributions may be given to Mennonite Mission Network.