Russell Michael "Russ" Stahl, age 68, of Eveleth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2016 at Essentia Health Virginia Hospital following a brave 3 year battle with pulmonary fibrosis and heart disease. Russ faced his illness with courage and dignity, always maintaining his sense of humor and positive attitude, remaining hopeful for improvements in his health no matter what medical challenges he faced. Russ was a LifeSource donor and with his death he continued to give back to others who are facing medical challenges.

Russ was born on March 30, 1948 in Virginia, MN to Ray and Marjorie Ann (Michaels) Stahl. He graduated from Virginia Roosevelt High School in 1966. He attended MSJC and the University of Minnesota Duluth, graduating with a degree in economics and business. He later returned to UMD and earned a teaching degree in elementary education.

Russ married Patti Delich on May 15, 1984. They were best friends who spent 32 years raising a family and traveling the world. They loved spending time with family and friends. They were great dancing partners and music lovers and found joy in everything they did together.

Russ was a member and past exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge No. 1161. He served on the Board of Directors for the Bloomington Civic Theater, the Northern Lights Players and the Lyric Theater in Virginia. He was an amateur actor and did both acting and production work on 25 plus theater productions in the Twin Cities area and with the Northern Lights Players. He was a member of the Virginia Rifle and Pistol Club and was a lifetime NRA member.

Russ loved all animals but especially his beloved dogs Jack and Coco. He was a great conversationalist and a good listener. He was thoughtful and sensitive and his laugh was infectious. Russ was a generous and loyal friend, willing to helping anyone who was in need. His curiosity led him to a lifetime of learning and teaching. His singing skills were a gift that he shared by participating in musical theater and he had a great appreciation for opera and music in general. Russ was a competitive shooter. He had a strong interest in history, which influenced what he read and watched and where he traveled. He was a civil war buff who visited all of the civil war battlefields while proudly wearing his Yankee cap. As a result of this interest, he built a cannon and dressed in period costumes, traveling around the state to participate in civil war reenactments with his buddy Reed. Russ enjoyed scuba diving for many years and loved to share his stories about exploring ship wrecks on Lake Superior. Russ's faith was reflected in his relationships with people and the way he cared for and nurtured those friendships.

Russ is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Patti Delich, their sons Matthew (Laura) Sharp and grandsons Aaron, Luke and Noah Sharp; Nick (Kathy) Sharp, and granddaughters Eden Sharp and Klara Hermes and grandson Jack Hermes; Brother Marshall Stahl and nephews Ben (Kristin) Stahl and Jason Stahl; Sister Melissa (Ken) Fishwick and nephews Justin (Kristin) and Brandon Fishwick and niece Vanessa Fishwick; Mother-in-law Madeline Delich; Sister-in-law Robbie (Paul) Essling and their sons Brian, Adam and David Essling; Brothers-in-law: Chuck (Lisa) Delich and their children Jessica (Jason) Sanderson and Philip (Missy) Delich; Dave (Linda Chevalier) Delich and his daughters Emma and Katie Delich; Phil (Tracy) Delich and their children Ben (Amanda) Delich and Josie Delich; Greg (Samantha Littler) Delich; and Joe (Lisa) Delich and their children Merrill and Dominic Delich. He also leaves behind numerous relatives and friends with whom he shared a lifetime of wonderful adventures and memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Marjorieann Stahl and his father-in-law Robert Delich.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 28 at the Bauman- Cron Funeral Home in Virginia from 10-12 with the Memorial Service at noon. Private inurnment in the Eveleth cemetery will be at a later date.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences on-line please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Gathering Time for Family and Friends 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ,Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
516 South First Street Virginia, MN 55792
Memorial Service 12:00 PM ,Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
516 South First Street Virginia, MN 55792