Norbert Stubel

Norbert Stubel was born on May 5, 1948 in Uslar, West Germany to Ewald and Martha (Wittmaier) Stubel.

In 1951 Norb and his parents immigrated to the United State under the sponsorship of Pastor Brown and his Baptist church in Topeka, Kansas.  He and his family lived for a brief time on a farm where his father worked.

A short time later Norb’s family moved to Benton Harbor, then St. Joseph, Michigan for his growing up years.

As a younger adult Norb enjoyed playing church league softball and basketball as well as tennis and table tennis.  He had a fondness for watching college football and basketball.

Norb become a naturalized U.S. citizen with his parents at the age of 11.  He was always proud of his country the American flag and the pledge of Allegiance that was recited at the beginning of class each day at Washington Elementary School.  He was unquestionably proud to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at every opportunity until the day he died.  His appreciation and pride for the men and women of our armed forces was long-standing.

The most meaningful life changing event and experience occurred in Norb’s life at the age of only nine when he received Jesus Christ into his heart as Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of sins and the free gift of eternal life.  As Jesus still says today, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  NO ONE comes to the Father but by me.”  

On April 29, 1972, Norb married Jeanne Louise Dill at Napier Parkview Baptist Church.  She died forty nine years and 4 months later on August 25, 2021, at the age of 70.

Norb and Jeanne had many good and and times, but the greatest source of earthy happiness they experienced together was at seminary when their son Brent Stubel came into their lives on December 8, 1978.  He was his mom’s pride and joy.  At the end of Norb’s life, he loved many people, but there was no one on this earth he loved more than his son.

Norb graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1966, Greer Technical Institute in Chicago in 1967, Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor in 1969, Taylor University in Upland, Indiana with a B.A. in Psychology in 1971, and North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1979.

After graduation from Seminary, Norb served as pastor at Memorial Baptist Church in Parkston, S.D. from 1979 to 1981 and Lakeshore Baptist Church in Stevensville, Michigan from 1981 to 1988 with his wife, Jeanne.

From 1990 to 1997 Norb worked as a counselor/therapist for children, adolescents, and sometimes adult patients at Charter Hospital of South Bend.  He especially loved working with children.  It was something that he enjoyed doing more than anything he had ever done in his life prior to this.

Norb worked at Cardinal Nursing Center in South Bend as a social worker and briefly as director of social services from 1997-2005 and concluded his career as chaplain at Sanctuary at Holy Cross in South Bend from 2005 to 2016.  He retired on March 4, 2016 and on May 20, 2016 had multiple heart bypass surgery. Five years later in 2021 he was on dialysis experiencing many health issues related to his failing kidneys and heart.  He died on January 11, 2022 and is now by God’s grace in heaven in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Norb is survived by his son, Brent Stubel and his sister Rita (Stubel) Mitchell Braddock.  In addition, he had many nieces and nephews, three brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.  He was always grateful to God for his son and sister and his wonderful extended family. 

A memorial service celebrating the life of Norb Stubel will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 7, 2022 at Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614. Friends may gather with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Norb may be made to the Center for Hospice Care 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.  Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with all arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.