Stehle, John C. 1926-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

John Christian Stehle, 99, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 at his home in Rural St. Joseph. He was born July 18, 1926 in Elwood, Kansas, son of John M. Stehle. John graduated from Elwood High School, class of 1945.

Following high school, John was drafted in the US Army. While on tour in Germany, he met his wife, Lina Boss, who he married on Sept. 25, 1948 in Germany. John proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring from the US Air Force. John later worked at Armour’s as a Machinist. He had a love for airplanes and boats. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed building hobby airplanes and boats and enjoyed his airstrip and airplane hangers they he built on his property.

John was preceded in death by his father, John M. Stehle; wife of 74 years, Lina Hermine Stehle; son, Gary Stehle; grandson, Christopher Stehle; and great-grandson, Gary Michael Stehle.

Survivors include sons, Jerry (Jackie) Stehle of St. Joseph and Terry (Kelley) Stehle of Platte City, Missouri; grandchildren, Julie, Michael, Lauren, Roselee, Kimberlee, Stephanie, Claire, and Libby; great-grandchildren, Emma, James, Grace, Lily, Jayden, Aiden, Kyle, Nora, Maia, Amara, Margaret and Violet.

Mr. Stehle has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at the Rupp Funeral Home.

Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.