In Remembrance of Pastor David Stegmeier

Pastor E. David Stegmeier, a devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully on March 13, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born September 26, 1941, he dedicated his life to spreading love, faith, and compassion to all who crossed his path.

David was born in Heil, North Dakota, to Calvin and Leontina Stegmeier (both deceased) and in 1946, the family moved from North Dakota to Plains, Montana where he would years later graduate from Plains High School. He finished his education at the University of Montana and began his first teaching assignment in Thompson Falls, Montana. In 1967 David was advised by the school superintendent to join the Army Reserves to avoid being drafted and to facilitate a rapid return to the teaching profession. 

In 1968 he married the love of his life, Millie Prior, whom he met at a church camp in Newark, Ohio. In 1970, David felt a divine call to travel to Oregon from Ohio with his wife and infant son, Randy, to pastor a small group of people on Elisha Road in Molalla. Soon after, their home was blessed with six other children: Korine, Lorine, Ronald, Dorine, Reginald, and Roland and in the following years, twenty-five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 

As a beloved pastor of the Canby Church of God for 54 years, Pastor Stegmeier touched countless lives with his unwavering devotion to his faith and his congregation. His sermons were filled with wisdom, grace, and a profound love for God and his fellow human beings. He served as a guiding light, offering comfort and spiritual support to all who sought his counsel.

 Pastor Stegmeier was not only a pillar of strength within his church community but also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and compassionate heart left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He was a source of strength and inspiration to his family and friends, always leading by example with humility, kindness, and an abundance of love.

While pastoring, he was employed as a substitute schoolteacher in Molalla and later in the Canby School District. Because of his love for young people, he soon acquired the title of “Favorite Substitute” and in 2001 received the award of “Substitute Teacher of The Year” for the state of Oregon. 

Pastor Stegmeier’s ministry was far- reaching as he traveled across the US and several times to Africa, Honduras, Haiti, and the Cayman Islands. 

He leaves to mourn a loving wife of almost 56 years, his seven children (and their families) two sisters: Audrey Schmitt and Virginia Sanders and three brothers: James, George, and Robbie Stegmeier.

Though he may have left this earthly realm, Pastor Stegmeier has now received his heavenly reward, where he will forever bask in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully. His legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Canby Church of God in honor of Pastor Stegmeier’s dedication to serving others and spreading God’s love.

Friends, family, and members of the community can come together to honor his memory and rejoice in the knowledge that he has found eternal peace in the arms of his Heavenly Father. A viewing will be held on Friday 22 from 5-8 p.m. and a memorial service on March 23 at 10:00 am at The Church of God 522 North West Second Ave Canby Oregon 97013 

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Canby Funeral Chapel 160 South Grant Street