Dr. Edwin S. Stefan (STH ’60)
Dr. Edwin S. Stefan went home to be with the Lord on December 11, 2020, at The Heritage in Findlay, OH.
He was born to the late Edwin and Loraine (Holzinger) Stefan on November 18, 1933. On August 30, 1959, he married Katheryn J. (Rouse) who survives him. He has three daughters Cynthia L. Sharp, Deborah A. (Fernando) Escamilla and Jennifer S. Stefan. He has four living grandchildren: Evan Escamilla Flury (Roger Flury), Sierra Sharp, Sasha Escamilla and Andrew Sharp. A grandson, Marshall Escamilla preceded him in death. He will be missed by family, friends and former student Tena (Jim) Kirk. He had three beloved dogs in his life: Teddy Bear, Skipper and Spenser.
Education and learning were lifelong pursuits. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Carroll College in Waukesha, WI, Masters of Divinity from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern in Evanston, IL, STM from Boston University, a Doctorate of Religion from Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, CA. He also took a Sabbatical at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He served as a minister in MI, MA, WI, CA and OH.
In 1969 Ed began his teaching career at Findlay College/The University of Findlay, retiring in 1995 as Professor Emeritus of Psychology. He enjoyed challenging students through innovative courses. He developed as well as directed an internship program known as CUE (Community Urban Experiences) for the Psychology Department which is still in existence today.
His interests included travel, hiking, backpacking and ballroom dancing. Ed traveled the world and never knew a stranger. He loved and accepted people regardless of race, religion or nationality. Even struggling with Alzheimer’s at the Legacy, he found a way to brighten other people’s day and bring a smile to their face.
He was also inspired to compose music, songs of faith and a Polka. His family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at the Legacy and the Heritage. We appreciate more than we can express the great care of Dr. Jacobus as well as all of the Hospice team. We are forever grateful to Dr. Sharon Cole, Dr. Haq and the staff of Orion Cancer Care and Dr. Lutz for helping Ed have many extra years with us.
Due to COVID-19 a private service is being held at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church on December 14, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed and available for viewing on the church’s website www.saumcfindlay.org or their Facebook page. A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Burial will be at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Coldren-Crates Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be sent by visiting coldrencrates.com. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Edwin S. Stefan Scholarship Endowment Fund in care of University of Findlay. 1000 N. Main St. or Cancer Patient Services, 1800 N. Blanchard St.
This obituary was originally posted here, by The Courier.