Longtime Montrose City police officer, Kirby Stehle, lost his battle with a rare disease. Kirby passed away on April 6, 2023, at his home in Atlanta, from the effects of Lewy Body Dementia.
Officer Stehle began his career with the Genesee County Parks Department. He then began working for the Montrose Township Police Department, upon its startup. He was later employed with the Montrose City Police Department, where he worked until his department was disbanded. Soon after, he joined the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked until his retirement on October 1, 2010. Officer Stehle was also a longtime member of the Beecher Fire Department, where he rose to the position of Assistant Fire Chief.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters, Carrie Stehle and Connie Stehle; grandchildren, Alex, Ryen, Konrad, Shannon, Amelia, and Kristof; along with his sisters, Twila Sallas, Julie (Wes) Usry, and Paula Robinson.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Frederick Stehle; mother, Donna Stehle; and sister; Cindy Stehle.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Montrose Pub, 10174 Vienna Road in Montrose Twp., MI 48457, beginning at 12 Noon.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
7 comments on “Kirby Stehle”
I met Kirby in 1981. He work Montrose City with his partner Jim. We would meet late at the store, M-57 and 13. He was great to the new guy from New Lothrop. He will be missed.
Kirby was one of the best. Kirby was a well known officer throughout many police departments in Genesee County. Friendly, well mannered, and always ready to help anyone in need. Kirby will truly be missed and not forgotten.
Rest in peace loyal servant. Job well done. And until we meet up again.
Paula, I am so sorry for your loss of your brother at such a young age. It must be very difficult for you and your family at this time of the year.
You and yours will be in my prayers,
Bless
ings and love, Ruth Jones
I had the privilege to work with Kirby at Montrose City P.D. from 1978 – 1985. He was tremendously community-mnded and wiling to respond to any and all emergency situations without hesitation. Genesee County was fortunate to have an outstanding law enforcement officer in their ranks.
I’ll never forget the shifts we spent together, coffee with Walt at the Montrose Bakery in the early hours, breaks at Dunklee’s, backing up other departments when requested and the many talks while on patrol.
Butch he really loved working with all you in Montrose that’s why he wanted to be in his Montrose uniform. He used to look at all the pictures of his Montrose days when he would think that’s the year it was. He used to tell me so many stories. I miss him dearly. He was definitely one of a kind. Always had a good joke to tell.
Kirby was my partner at Montrose PD from 1978 until 1985 when I moved south, and a close friend. Although we only worked together 8 years, our friendship has endured over 40 years. Kirby always had a smile, a good story, and we spend many nights watching over Montrose on the night shift. A great public servant, husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be missed by all who knew him.
The last few weeks of his life were the hardest of them all. He was one of the nicest people i have ever met. I am so happy that he was my grandpa. He will be missed.