Richard Norman Stoll

Richard Norman Stoll, 77, passed away suddenly at his home in Lawrence on August 4, 2024. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 20, 1946, to Norman and Clarice (Fiebig) Stoll.

Dick attended Grand Rapids J. C. and earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Western Michigan University, where he was a member of the TKE Fraternity. He then went on to Michigan State University to earn both a Master's and Specialist degrees in Education. He married Sandra Chase on August 23, 1969, and together they had two amazing sons, David and Dan, and two terrific grandsons, Lucas and Matthew.

Richard had a 39-year career in education, first as a 6th-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary in Ionia, MI, then as a school Principal/Superintendent at Palo Community Schools, and finally, for his last 33 years, at Lawrence Public Schools as the Superintendent. He was instrumental in leading various successful millages and building projects, hiring exceptional teachers and support staff, and had sound business and financial sense for the district’s operations. Richard was very proud of Lawrence Public Schools and took pride in presenting high school diplomas to David (1993) and Dan (1998).

During his retirement years, Richard and Sandra enjoyed wintering in Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed golfing, bicycling, and boating with family and friends. They also cherished their memories of living on beautiful Reynolds Lake for 48 years, which included raising their sons and grandsons.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Sandra (Chase) Stoll, sons David (Kathi) Stoll, Dan Stoll, and grandsons Lucas and Matthew; one sister, Marilyn (Wally) Swanland; two brothers-in-law, Robert (Jan) Chase and Edward (Sherry) Chase; one sister-in-law, Donna Chase; 3 nephews, Jeff (Stacey) Spencer, John (Cari) Chase, Jeff Chase; and 5 nieces, Michelle (Paul) Militello, Lorie (Dean) Cowser, Lindey (Alejandro) Zuniga, Lindsy Valdes, and Eliza (Chris) Hodges.

Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, with light refreshments at Trinity Lutheran Church, 721 Pine Street, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079. Funeral services will follow at noon with Rev. Ronald C. Moritz officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church of Paw Paw or the Lawrence Alumni Association. 

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