Dorothy M. Stadler

Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister passed away at Union Court Assisted Living in Saint Charles on Tuesday, December 5^th, 2023, at the age of 94. Dorothy was born in Saginaw to the late Wallace and Anna Miller and was a 1947 graduate of Merrill High School. She married William “Bill” Stadler the year she graduated, and the couple would raise a family and run a business together until his death in 1972. She cherished 3 daughters, a much-loved stepson, and the huge and happy family that came from them. Dorothy owned and operated Stadler Service with Bill just west of Merrill for many years, selling the business a few years after his passing. Wanting to stay active and social in her “retirement,” Dorothy kept a large group of friends and hosted many an outing or luncheon. She was also the head of her local Red Hat Society and kept a lending library in her sunroom. Dorothy loved to read, especially thriller and mystery novels, and spent much of her time traveling. She went on two separate trips to Hawai’i with family and loved to explore the history and nature of the islands. She shared this love of nature with Bill and spent much time exploring the wilderness while Bill fished. She was also an avid bird watcher. Dorothy is remembered as being a thoughtful and kind woman who lived by the Golden Rule, and as an outgoing, creative, and independent woman who loved spending time with her friends and family.

Dorothy is survived by children Patricia Buffman, Michele (Larry) Hedrich, and Rebecca (Tim) Bush; eight grandchildren; countless great and great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-law Ethel Stadler; and sister Evelyn Tilot; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by husband Bill Stadler; stepson Robert Stadler who she cared for as her own son-in-law Barry Buffman; brothers Burt (Marion) Miller and Lloyd (Sherry) Coleman; sister Phyllis (Bob) Crocker; special cousin Jean Terwilliger; and her special friend Joan Gronda who she loved traveling with. 

A memorial visitation will take place from 12:00-4:00pm on Saturday, January 6^th, 2024, at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E Saginaw St, Merrill, MI 48637. A time of sharing is to follow at 4:00pm. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Union Court Assisted Living Activity Fund or the Saginaw Children’s Zoo. Please share your thoughts, prayers, and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the friends and staff members of Union Court for their company, activities, and the good food they provided, and to Residential Hospice, especially Monica, and her little dog Bunny.