William "Bill" Albert Stich

William Albert “Bill” Stich passed away November 20, 2014, with his loving wife of 62 years by his side at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO. Bill was born March 2, 1926 on his parent’s farm in Earlton, KS; the son of Oscar Jacob and Esther Cecilia (Greve) Stich. Bill was a lifetime resident, never living more than five miles from his family’s farm. Bill was a farmer his entire life, he had a passion for taking care of God’s creatures. Being a simple, down-to-earth man, Bill has a simple code that earned him respect by all that knew him; honesty, hard work, and loving all. Bill shared this gift with his wife Patricia (Gerritzen) whom he married October 24, 1953 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Piqua, KS. Also, he shared it with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and everyone he met. Bill was currently a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chanute, KS. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Cecilia Porter, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is survived by his wife Patricia of the home in Chanute, KS; his sons: Joe Stich and wife Rebecca, Mike Stich, all of Chanute, KS, and Dale Stich and wife Wendy of St. Paul, KS. Also by his daughters: Linda Council and husband Larry of Rogers, AR and Barbara Myers and her husband Lonnie of Chanute, KS. In addition, Bill is also survived by his siblings: Frank Stich of Chanute, KS, Gerald Stich of Augusta, KS, John Stich of Thayer, KS and Jane O’Mahen of Oracle, AZ as well as 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 10:00AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chanute, KS; burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Chanute, KS. Rosary will be held the evening prior at 6:30PM, also at St. Patrick’s Church. The family requests memorials be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic School or The Alzheimer’s Foundation which may be sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland St. Chanute, KS; online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.

William "Bill" Albert Stich

March 2, 1926 - November 20, 2014