Paul M. StahlPaul M. Stahl, 95, of Bridgewater died October 19, 2017 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman, South Dakota. Memorial Services will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday Oct. 22nd at Zion Mennonite Church of Bridgewater. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Saturday (today) also at the church. Paul was born July 27, 1922 to Mike J. and Katie (Gross) Stahl on a farm west of Freeman. He was the third oldest in a family of 10 children. He believed in Jesus as his Savior and was baptized by his uncle, Rev. Peter J. Stahl in October 1941. Paul married Hulda Mae Walter on January 16, 1949. She was the sunshine of his life. They were inseparable and celebrated 65 years together in January 2014. They farmed north of Bridgewater and had six sons: Melvin (Debra), Daniel (Martha), Ronald (Carla), Robert (Janet), Charles (Brenda) and Kenneth (Anne) Stahl all of Bridgewater and one daughter Kathleen (Randel) Maass of Sioux Falls.Our father enjoyed the times when the whole family was together. He made sure we had plenty of delicious food to enjoy. He insisted on the best and advised those in the kitchen so everything would be just right. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the delight of his life. He took time away from his work to rock them while singing original songs. He promised to buy them fast ponies and sent them home with pockets full of candy. He entertained them with rides on the lawn mower and combine. In October 2007 he was deeply grieved at the loss of his grandson, Paul, who was born on his 60th birthday. He mourned with his grandson, Justin whose wife Isabel died in March 2017.Our father loved everything about farming with his sons. He had little formal schooling; however he was self-educated and well-read. He was eager to be the first to try the latest methods and technology. His entrepreneurial and innovative spirit led to many projects for his built-in work force. He loved bringing in a plentiful harvest and was ready to begin again in the spring after the lean years. He loved a good South Dakota summer thunder storm and was the first to call around to ask "How much rain did you get?" He thrived on checking the crops, inspecting the livestock, and following the agricultural markets. He enjoyed agricultural history and collecting relics from the good-old-days. During his youth, his youngest brother, Melvin, died young from a tragic accident and his oldest sister, Anna, died at an early age after a lengthy, devastating illness. God used these experiences along with his own health issues to mold an empathetic heart in him. He was touched by friends and neighbors who were suffering and reached out to befriend and help.He was a faithful church member and generously supported the local church and global missionaries. He was verbal about his faith and delivered many mini-sermons to us from his favorite chair challenging us to live a life worthy of our calling in Christ. He always mentioned God's overwhelming love in his prayers.He never stopped mourning the loss of our mother in August 2014. They were a match made in heaven and now they are together again, safe in the arms of Jesus.Preceding him in death are his wife, Hulda, his grandson, Paul, his granddaughter-in-law, Isabel, his parents, his sisters Anna Stahl and Kathryn (Marvin) Hofer, his brothers, Mike, William, Marvin, and Melvin Stahl.Cherishing His MemoryHis children, 30 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren:Melvin (Debra)JamieKevin (Tara) - Jackson, Candice, ClaytonStephanie (Jeramy) StuderDaniel (Martha)Patrick (Janelle) - Adria, Coleson, Jerris, KesneySusanne (Justin) Kosec - AmariahKathleen (Randel) MaassZachary (Kayse)Ronald (Carla)HeidiDonald (Sarah) - Carter, Adleigh, LeviKatherine (Michael) Voeltz - Evan, Bridget, HannahBeverlyJustin (Isabel 1969-2017)WadeBrentRobert (Janet)Paul 1982-2007 (Megan) - Sydney(Megan (Bryson) Miller) - Jace, TriggCharles (Brenda)Scott (Amanda) - Landon, James, HarrisonMallory (Sam) Minor - Hayden, Cora, WestJodiKenneth (Anne)Cody (Emily)Lisa His sister and brothers: Mary Stahl, Jacob Stahl and John (Delores) Stahl His sisters and brother-in- law: Diane Stahl, Joann Stahl, Judy Stahl and Dr. Aaron (Laura) WalterAnd many nieces, nephews and friends.Arrangements by Walter's Funeral Home of Bridgewater