Terry M Stiefel's Obituary
Terry M. Stiefel, 64
Terry M. Stiefel, 64, of Lakeland, passed away at home on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Terry was born in Oneonta, NY, and moved to New Symrna Beach as a young man. He became a Lakeland resident in 1969 and graduated from Southeastern College in 1973. He worked for Watkins Motor Lines, now FedEx National LTL, and retired after 20 plus years of service.He was a dedicated and active member of Victory Church. Terry loved helping people, especially nurturing the lives of children. He actively volunteered during his daughter’s school years serving as a parent volunteer in many capacities; as a former baseball player, he used his talent and skills to coach hersoftball teams; working with his wife’s school children since his retirement, he was honored to receive Winston Elementary School’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year. Combining his love of God and the outdoors, he was 30 plus year member of the National Royal Rangers Ministries; he served as Lt. Commander of Discovery Rangers Outpost 169and a member of National Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship. He loved his sports teams, especially the Florida Gators, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Terry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jacqueline; his daughter Krista; his mother, June Headley; three brothers Steve Speh and wife Louanne, Craig Speh and wife Diane, and Dennis Speh. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Roxanne Brown and Janine Jacob.
Friends are invited to the visitation on Friday, Jan. 30, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at Victory Church Light of Lights Chapel, followed by the funeral service beginning at 5:00 pm.
Terry’s strong desire and commitment to help others will continue past his earthly life. As a juvenile diabetic, he was passionate to help current and future children diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. In an effort to support ongoing research efforts, he long ago decided to donate his body to science hoping doctors will learn more about the impact this degenerative disease has on the human body. His body will be transported to the University of Florida College of Medicine Health Science Center in Gainesville, FL.
Terry has requested that in lieu of flowers, please honor his life by donating to either Royal Rangers of Victory Church, c/o Outpost 169, 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland, FL 336810 or, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Tampa Bay Chapter, c/o Memorial Donation for Terry Stiefel, 9600 Koger Blvd, Ste. 103, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Memorial Donations can also be made online at jdrf.org.
What’s your fondest memory of Terry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terry?
Share a story where Terry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terry you’ll never forget.
How did Terry make you smile?