Deacon Lee Stilwell died on April 18, 2024 after an extended illness, having served the Diocese of Saginaw as a permanent deacon for almost 50 years. He was ordained on October 24, 1975 by Bishop Francis F. Reh.
Deacon Stilwell is survived by his wife, Judy, as well as by three of his children, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. When interviewed in 2021 for an article in Faith Saginaw on the diocese’s “pioneer permanent deacons,” Deacon Stilwell spoke about what meant the most to him in his own diaconal ministry: “Visiting the homebound, the elderly and those in the hospital have been ministries particularly dear to my heart.”
His funeral will take place at Prince of Peace Catholic Parish, St. Anne Church (Linwood) on Tuesday, April 23 at 11:00 am. A viewing and prayer service are scheduled from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, April 22 at Rivertown Funeral Chapel, 209 S Huron Rd in Kawkawlin.