OBITUARY: Dorothy Stahl

Dorothy Mae Stahl (née Conklin), age 87, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Born on May 4, 1938, in Keota, Iowa, Dorothy lived a life rooted in compassion, service, and faith. She graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School in Harper, Iowa, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

Dorothy’s passion for nursing shaped a distinguished career that spanned decades. From her early work in hospitals to her role as an educator teaching nursing classes, she dedicated herself to the care and well-being of others. Her commitment reached a pioneering level when she served as Vice President at Harbor Light Hospice—one of the first hospice organizations in the United States—where she helped establish compassionate end-of-life care during its formative years.

Dorothy was raised in Harper, Iowa and lived many years in Woodridge, Illinois before retiring to Tennessee to be closer to family. Dorothy was a devoted wife to her late husband, George Stahl, and a loving mother to her children: Craig Stahl (Pam) of Lebanon, Tennessee; Steve Stahl of Playas del Coco, Costa Rica; Shari Stahl of Springfield, Illinois; and her late daughter Kathy Stahl Breeden.

Her family was central to her life. She found great joy in her grandchildren—Zachary Dyke (Lori), Ali Breeden, Matthew Stahl, Michael Stahl, and Elizabeth Stahl—and cherished time spent with her great-granddaughters Ava and Maggie Dyke.

Dorothy also maintained strong ties with her siblings: Ken Conklin (Bonnie) of Arlington, Virginia; Ron Conklin (Lynda) of Columbia, Missouri; Bonnie Conklin Zeigler (Leon) of Mexico, Missouri; and Myron Hammes of Paradise Valley, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents Cleo and Viola Conklin, her brother Keith Conklin, grandson Matthew Dyke; and daughter Kathy Stahl Breeden.

Dorothy embraced life with warmth and creativity. She enjoyed crafting and treasured moments shared with her many family and friends. Her home was often filled with fun, laughter, and great conversation.

A devoted follower of Jesus and a steadfast prayer warrior, she lived each day guided by love and service—a legacy that continues through those who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM at The Fellowship of Mt Juliet, 490 Industrial Dr., with visitation from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to your local hospice. Dorothy Mae Stahl will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt—and an all-around good egg whose kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her.