Henry Michael Stahr

Henry Michael Stahr, 83, known to many as "Mike," went to be with God on Saturday, February 21, 2015, after a long and heroic battle with Parkinson's disease. He resided at Green Hills Retirement Community in Ames, but lived many years in Ogden.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at St. John's Catholic Church in Ogden. Father James Bruch will officiate. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Ogden. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m., at St. John's Catholic Church in Ogden. For online obituaries and condolences please visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

This hardworking farm boy, who grew up to be an internationally-known scientist, was born on December 10, 1931, in White, South Dakota. He lived on a dairy farm there with parents George Stahr and Kathryn Smith Stahr and sisters Helen, Patricia, Theresa and Mary. After high school, Mike chose to enlist with the U.S. Marines, serving as a linesman in the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, on his way home, Mike stopped at a military-sponsored dance in North Carolina. There he met a local girl, Irene Sondey, and began a whirlwind but lifelong romance. A week later she was his fiancée, a month later she was his bride, and 62 years later, at the time of Mike's passing, she was still the love of his life.

Mike and Irene were blessed with five children; Michael Gerard, born in Glens Falls, New York; John Conrad in Wilmington, North Carolina; Mary Therese in Columbia, South Carolina; Patrick Joseph in Richmond, Virginia, and Matthew Gerard in Ames, Iowa.

Mike earned his Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State, Masters in Physical-Analytical Chemistry from Union College in New York and Ph.D. in Food Technology from Iowa State University. He worked as a chemist for General Electric and a chemist for Philip Morris before joining the staff at the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at Iowa State, eventually as a full professor and chief chemist. His work sent him on world travels, including Austria to assist with setting up a laboratory. In 1991, he penned a 368 page book "Analytical of Methods in Toxicology." He created a patented invention for the "volatilization of antimicrobial drugs" that was accepted by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and Food and Drug Administration.

Mike was committed to serving his community, including his home church for many years, St. John's Catholic Church in Ogden, and his current church, St. Cecilia's in Ames. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, Lions Club and Ogden School Board. For many years, each Memorial Day, Mike led his family in putting up flags at Glenwood Cemetery in Ogden. He did this rain or shine, as a tribute to his fellow veterans. He was a loyal Cyclone fan and avid golfer and fisherman. He and Irene made a nearly annual round trip back to her home state of North Carolina, to the beach they loved at Topsail Island. Their family of seven grew to a lively, loving crowd that included 15 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and another on the way.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Irene; sons, Michael (Julie) Stahr, Patrick (Mindy) Stahr and Matt (Chris) Stahr; daughter, Mary Kuil; grandchildren, Jenny (Eric) Fee, Jeremy (Alicia) Stahr, Kristopher Stahr, Katie Stahr, Jessica Kuil, Sarah (Reid) Keller, Daniel Kuil, Isaac Stahr, Joel Stahr, Elijah Stahr, Peter Stahr, Clare Stahr, Tyler Stahr, Rebecca Stahr, Ethan Stahr; great-granddaughter, Olivia Stahr; sisters, Patricia Foster and Mary Lutz; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Mike will be met in heaven by his parents, son John, son-in-law Gordie Kuil, two unborn daughters, sisters Helen Forsberg and Theresa (Voldseth) Squillante and brothers-in-law Gaylord Forsberg, Harry Kadlac and Jerry Lutz.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

We remember a life well lived and a man tremendously loved. "Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:21