Joseph S. Stalma, 93, of Rossford, died Saturday, May 25, 2024. He was born on May 10, 1931, in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Anna (Gruden) Stalma.
Joe was an outstanding college athlete at Duquesne University, where he played center. When that program ended due to the Korean War, Joe transferred to the University of Toledo in 1951, and continued his football career there, playing center for the Rockets.
Joe met his future wife, Marilyn Jones, while attending UT. At the time, Marilyn worked at Orchard Drug, just off campus. They were married on August 2, 1952.
Joe answered the call during the Korean War, and served at Fort Benning, Georgia. Joe rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant, serving with the 7th Infantry. Following his military service, Joe returned to UT, where he attained his master’s degree in education.
Joe eventually came to Rossford, where he was a teacher and coach for more than 20 years.
As a teacher and coach, he inspired young minds, and fostered a love for learning and athletics. Joe was the Rossford High School varsity basketball coach from 1966 to 1984, with a career record of 288 wins and 103 losses. His team was state runner up in 1970 and state semifinalist in 1975. His love for sports, particularly basketball, was infectious. Joe shaped young
athletes into resilient individuals both on and off the court.
Joe also served on the Rossford School Board from 1986 to 1994.
Joe loved the outdoors and nature. He enjoyed bird watching and fishing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening. His love, interest in others and willingness to teach and coach left an impression on everyone he encountered. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the lessons he taught and the kindness he shared. Joe’s devotion to his children and grandchildren was unwavering, leaving an enduring legacy of familial bonds.
Joe is survived by his children, Deborah (Mark) Fragel, Joe Stalma (Norma Kwaitkowski), Jean (Terry) Mason, Judith (David) Miller; grandchildren, Melissa (Chris Showers) Mason, Mark Joseph, Brett and Reid (Amanda) Fragel, Lauren (Jon) Guardiola, Margaret (George) Sleator, Brittney (Kyle) Murphy, Lyndsay, Kelsey and Joey Stalma; great-grandchildren, Ayva, Eleanor, Maybel and Gwyneth; sister, Carol, and brothers, Ron and Eddie. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 65 years, Marilyn Stalma; brother, Bob, and sister, Martha.
Friends will be received at Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home, 830 Lime City Road, Rossford, on Thursday, May 30, from noon to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 31, at 11 a.m., with a burial to follow at Ft. Meigs Union Cemetery.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the special aids and nurses at Otterbein of Perrysburg, and to Ashanti Hospice. Online condolences may be left to the family at walker funeralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the UTRockets.com/Rocket Fund.