Deacon Lee Stilwell, 85, departed this life on April 18, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service. He was born on March 24, 1939, to William and Linda Stilwell of Bay City. At 17, he entered the Catholic Church and was ordained to the permanent diaconate by Bishop Francis F. Reh on Oct. 24, 1975. Deacon Stilwell served the Diocese of Saginaw as a dedicated permanent deacon for nearly 50 years.

Deacon Stilwell was a loving father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather, an avid athlete and coach and a dedicated disciple of Christ who had a special love for pastoral ministry. When interviewed in 2021, Deacon Stilwell shared: “Visiting the homebound, the elderly and those in the hospital have been ministries particularly dear to my heart.”

Dr. Dan Osborn, coordinator of permanent diaconate formation and ministry, remembered his last visit to Deacon Stilwell and Judy, his wife of 66 years, in their home: "It was beautiful to see how Deacon Lee's desire to keep serving God's people remained, even in his final years. As he put it: 'What good is it to be a deacon if I do not serve others?' This was the kind of disciple that Deacon Lee was. He truly was a living icon of Christ the Servant."

Deacon Stilwell was beloved by his parish and community but is most dearly remembered as a provider and stronghold to his family. He is survived by his wife, Judy, as well as by three of his children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 23, at Prince of Peace Parish, St. Anne Church in Linwood.

May Deacon Stilwell rest in eternal peace.