Calvin Stutzman
Calvin Stutzman of Nappanee, passed away early Monday morning, June 29, 2015. He was 90 years old.
Surviving this wonderful, faithful, helpful, Christian man is his wife of 67 years: Betty; son: Garry (Kerry), Scottsdale, Ariz; daughter: Sue (Dale) Welch, Albuquerque, N.M.; son-in-law: John Moore, Rochester; grandaughters: Katie (Salvatore) Sanchez, Rochester; Christine Welch, Taipei, Taiwan; Kelsey and Alexa Welch, Chicago, Ill.; grandson: Christopher Stutzman, Laurel, Md.; and a grandson: Aaron Moore, Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Stan and Raymond; sister: Treva Manual; as well as his daughter: Nancy Moore; and grandson: Kenneth F. Moore.
He went by Cal. Born on Oct. 8, 1924, in Mishawaka, he had many adventures with his brothers and best friend Bernie by his side. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1943 and immediately served his country in the European and Pacific Theaters in WW II. At Western New Mexico University, he played basketball and baseball, earning a Bachelor’s degree in education in 1950. He married Betty Lange of South Bend, in 1947, while teaching and coaching in La Cruces, N.M., Wheeler, and Nappanee,, they raised a family.
Since travel and education were Cal’s priorities, he brought his family along with him in the summers to Silver City, N.M., while he worked toward the Master’s degree in education he earned in 1966. Everyone enjoyed the hiking, fishing and outdoor adventures experienced in Gila Forest. Cal was an athlete and and an outdoorsman, but also a builder. He built the family home and much of the furniture in it. Cal was a generous man.
He mentored several generations of woodworking students, helping them with their careers and sometimes life problems. He could always see a clear solution. Cal kept in touch with friends all the way back to grammar school. He attended high school and college reunions and was the last living member of the 86th Blackhawk Infantry Division, a group that met up until 2008. Cal stayed active until the end.
At his request, Cremation will take place with no services.
Memorial contributions may be given to the NorthWood Scholarship Foundation.