Obituary of Earl W. Stieler

Passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at the age of 94 years.

Predeceased by his parents Amelia Mary (1952) and father Walter (1979), sisters Elaine Eby (1953), Joyce Kraehling (1989), Lillian Stieler (2017), brother Melvin Stieler (2004), nephews Earl Eby (2002), Ross Kraehling (2010), Robert Kraehling (2017) and niece Betty Hodder (2012).

Earl is survived by nieces and nephews: Teresa McDowell (Paul) of Sarnia, Albert Kraehling of Stratford, Diane Giilck of Mount Forest, Lisa Kraehling of Grand Valley, Gwendalyn Beacom of Stratford, Walter Kraehling of London, Grant Kraehling of Stratford, Michael Stieler of Miller Lake, Robin Stieler of The North Bruce Peninsula, Gale Spearn of Waterloo, Rose Anne Zapfe (Richard) of Thunder Bay, Mary Hutfloetz (George) of Waterloo, Karen Holingworth as well as 17 great nieces and nephews.

Earl was born September 8, 1924, was a life long resident of Kitchener/Waterloo. He attended Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate Institute and studied at Eueler Business College, University of Waterloo and the American Floral Art Design school in Chicago.  Earl served in the Scots Fusiliers of Canada, medical unit (R). He spent his early years, cost accounting at the former B.F. Goodrich Rubber Company. He made a career change when he joined the University of Waterloo as Technical Director of the Theatre of the Arts and Humanity Theatre. Later becoming the Director for Theatre Operations, and simultaneously, Administrator of the University Art Gallery.  He also designed sets for the University drama productions, venue aesthetics for University fund raising, academic and social events. He designed stage settings and décor for numerous organizations including Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Alberta, Conrad Grebel College, K.W. Operatic Society, K-W Musical Productions, Gilbert and Sullivan Society, K-W Symphony, Cancer Society, Octoberfest, Grand River Hospital, K-W Hadassah Bazaar and Little Theatre. For several seasons he was resident set designer for the Kawartha Summer Theatre festival, at Lindsay, producing a show a week. In 1967 he transformed the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium into a ballroom for the I.O.D.E. Centennial Ball.  Earl produced, designed and directed the city of Waterloo Centennial pageant that was presented on an eighty-foot-wide tiered stage erected at the end of the old race track oval of Waterloo Park (1957). Designed the King Ludwig castle and created a museum for the interior that was set up yearly for Octoberfest on Benton Street where the parking garage is located today. He was active in all aspects of productions and administration for the K-W Little Theatre. Was a past president and life-time member.  In the summer of 1968 and 1970 he was staff artist for an archaeological dig at AI near Deir Dibwan, an Arab town on the west bank of the Jordan River. He was requested, by the mayor of Deir Dibwan, to design a monument to commemorate the dig. He supervised construction, sited in the main entrance square of the town. An active member of the K.W.Y.M.C.A. becoming the local then Canadian national president of the Y’s social educational program. In 1956 he was appointed Canada’s representative on the Standing Committee for Young Men’s Work, World Alliance of Y.M.C.A.’s.  He was a long-time active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, serving in every capacity of Church life. He was past president of the men’s organization. Was elected first president of the Lutheran Church Men of the Eastern Canada Synod.  He traveled the world visiting many countries on six continents.  He enjoyed theatre, travel, daily walks, hosting dinner parties and teas for family and friends, ocean travel, collecting art, antiques and books.

Thanks to the dedicated doctors and nurses at Grand River Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, and the London Health Centre. A special thank you to a beautiful and brilliant physician, Dr. Robert Stevens. Grateful thanks and gratitude to my long-time friend Gary Griffin for his support, friendship and thoughtfulness. To my niece, Gale Spearn, my thanks to her is overwhelming. She has taken care of me and a multitude of needs and has been a constant presence and solace throughout my ordeal. No request or task was too great but completed efficiently with forthright response. One of earths lovely people.

A memorial service to celebrate Earl’s life will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 1:30 pm. A reception will follow in the Fireside Reception Room. Interment will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener.

Condolences for the family and donations and donations to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.