Obituary of Dr. Arleen M. Stahl
Dr. Arleen Marie Stahl, Professor Emeritus of the University of St. Francis, age 78, of Shorewood, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with her loving family by her side, holding the hand of her beloved husband, Robert.
Born March 19, 1947, in Joliet, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Margaret (Stariha) Dusa. Raised in Rockdale, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert J. Stahl, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage.
A lifelong learner, who instilled her belief in education in her children and grandchildren, Arleen was a graduate of St. Francis Academy with the Class of 1965. She pursued her career as a Registered Nurse, receiving her diploma from the Little Company of Mary Hospital School of Nursing, and later receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Francis. Arleen subsequently enrolled in Northern Illinois University where she received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Nursing. A scientist at heart, in the 1990s she began studying cellular biology at NIU, culminating in earning her PhD degree in 1996.
While accomplishing her educational achievements, Arleen worked as an ICU nurse at St. Joseph Hospital, Joliet, later becoming an instructor in the hospital’s School of Nursing. In 1997, Arleen was part of a large committee of professionals who transitioned the St. Joseph College of Nursing to become a division of the College of St. Francis, which a year later became the College of Nursing. She also was a co-developer of the Master of Science in Nursing program at USF which began in 2000.
From 1988 to 2007, Arleen taught nursing and pathophysiology to University of St. Francis students across numerous disciplines, and upon her retirement, continued to teach part-time as an adjunct professor for several more years. Throughout her professional career, she enjoyed her memberships in numerous professional nursing and nursing education organizations, and published in several national journals.
Despite her academic career and accomplishments, family was the most important thing in her life, and her devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren will leave a lasting legacy and a testament to her love for them. Arleen was also extremely proud of her Slovenian heritage and her lifelong membership in the Slovenian Union of America, and enjoyed observing the many Slovenian traditions especially Easter celebrations.
A talented seamstress, Arleen had a keen appreciation for fashion and was an impeccable dresser. She loved to have a good time, and especially enjoyed Friday night martinis and gin and tonics, a tradition she passed on to her children, which was a time to reflect on the past week. One of her favorite memories was a trip to Europe while two of her children were students abroad. Arleen’s favorite color was baby blue, and she had a special fondness for anything having to do with giraffes. She also had a deep appreciation for her husband’s sense of humor and how he could make her laugh, and it is her distinctive and contagious laugh which will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Surviving are her beloved husband, Dr. Robert J. Stahl of Shorewood; her loving children, Jennifer (Steve) Pratt of Zionsville, IN, Erika Stahl of Wheaton, IL, Alicia (Chris) Kochanowicz of Sarasota, FL, and Raymond Stahl of Atlanta, GA; five adoring grandchildren, Robby and Jacqueline Pratt, and Owen, Leo, and Mia Kochanowicz; a dear sister, Margaret (Gregory) Dusa-Day, and a fond niece, Tamara (Will) Berry.
Visitation for Dr. Arleen Stahl will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 1214 S Hamilton St, Lockport, IL 60441, where she will Lie-in-State from 10:00 a.m., until the time of her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to St. Dennis Catholic Church would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.
