Michael J. Stehle was born in North Arlington, New Jersey in 1949 and passed away on April 9, 2024 in Ventura, California at the age of 74. Lucky and able to live a full life, Mike grew up in Oxnard, California and graduated from Santa Clara High School in 1967, where he was the MVP of his varsity baseball team and garnered a tryout with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After high school Mike then went on to attend Ventura Jr. College, obtaining an AA and AS degree. Shortly thereafter, he volunteered and proudly served in the Vietnam War in the 101st Infantry and earned a Bronze Star Medal during his time in Army combat – showcasing a heroic achievement. Later, he went on to work for the City of Ventura and retired in 2009 after more than 36 years of dedicated service.
His greatest achievement was his family and Mike’s love and passion for baseball carried on through his kids where he coached his sons’ baseball teams for many years at Foothill Little League. He loved traveling with his family and some of his favorite family vacations were trips to Cooperstown, NY, Alaska, Hawaii, Bulgaria to watch his son Christopher compete at the USA Games for the Deaf in water polo, Boston, New York, and Mexico. He loved going to Dodgers/Angels games and going to a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field with his two sons was a highlight. Later in life, his grandkids were his pride and joy. Above all, he loved watching his grandkids grow up and you could always find him at one of their sporting events or activities being a proud grandparent. His work ethic was unmatched and he took that spirit into some of his many hobbies throughout his life which included woodworking, collecting sports memorabilia and working on his many vintage vehicles.
He joins his parents, Robert and Mary Stehle, and his mother-in-law, Aileen Molthu. He is survived by Karen, his wife of 50 years, his son Christopher Stehle (Jennifer), grand-children Allison and Turner as well as his son Mark Stehle (Nicole), and grand-children Madelyn, Tristan, and Aubrey. His brothers, Bob Stehle (Mary Ann) and Carl Stehle, and his sister Sue Stinson (James). His brother-in-law, Mike Molthu (Norma), and his sister-in-law, Debi Slusser as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family has entrusted care to the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.