Charles “Chuck” C.R. Stelling passed away peacefully at his Missoula home on Tuesday February 24, 2015. Born on July 6, 1927 on the Ft. Shaw farm his father homesteaded, he was one of nine kids.
He served in the U.S Navy during WWII and will have a plaque commemorating his service at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery, on Tower St. in Missoula, MT.
Chuck was a proud member of the Missoula Smokejumpers in 1948. He attended the U of M where he met and married Margaret “Mugs” Klingler in 1950, the same year he graduated, they had 3 children. In 1962, after several years of hard work at Olney Motors, he purchased a car dealership in Polson, MT and aptly named it Courtesy Chevy/Olds. He was nicknamed “Square Deal” by satisfied customers for his integrity & fair dealings.
He began a long Real Estate career working for Deschamps Real Estate, before opening Stelling and Associates Real Estate in 1972 at 101 E. Broadway, in the historic Montana Building in Missoula. For 37 years he had the pleasure to work with his sons, grandson and even his great granddaughter, in the office that he founded.
He was honored to be a Mason & a Shriner and he was active, and contributed to, many civic organizations, coaching and sponsoring Little League, scorekeeping for Grizzly basketball games, and a big sponsor of Camp Make-A-Dream. He contributed much to the community and to the education and welfare of many with his generosity and caring.
An avid outdoorsman, he guided and was involved in the outfitting business and loved trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, fishing trips to Alaska and flying the small planes he owned, when he had his pilots license.
He also enjoyed a life of golf and hunting and will have his ashes spread with his hunting buddies on 3-Bull Point in the Bitterroot Mountains.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30+ years Rebecca “Becky” Stelling, sons Steve Sr. (Keni) Stelling, Mark Stelling, daughter Laurel (Pete) Rowan, 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Brothers, Jack (Ginny) Stelling, Jerry (Ruth) Stelling, Cody (Maria) Stelling, Stan Stelling, and sister Annie Weinfurter, along with many nieces, nephews and loving family members.
He was preceded in death by his brother Arnold (Duke) Stelling, his sisters Frieda Stelling and Helene Stelling and his mother Charlotte and father William.
Chuck had many friends and endless people whose lives he touched with his kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness.
From the many friends in Laughlin, NV where he spent time in recent winters, to his friends in Hawaii and across the country, he enjoyed people and helping people and there are many lives in which he made a difference.
Chuck will be missed dearly and remembered well for his special sense of humor, undying loyalty and his huge unselfish heart.
At his request there will not be a memorial service, but a “Celebration of His Life” will be planned for later this Spring where friends, family and acquaintances are invited to attend.
Notice of the “Celebration of His Life” will be posted here or you may call Stelling Real Estate at 406-728-9200 for the time & place.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity of your choice; something he would truly appreciate.
