Stella Tuttle (1925 – 2005)

Stella A. Tuttle, age 80, a resident of Kenosha died Monday, August 8, 2005 at Kenosha Medical Center.

Born on July 10, 1925 in Kenosha, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Freida (Rakunas) Kadis.

She was educated in the schools of Kenosha and also attended L.I.F.E. College in Los Angeles, where she graduated as an ordained minister and studied missions work, childrens’ education and music.

On July 28, 1951, she married Gerald (Jerry) W. Tuttle in Kenosha. As an ordained minister and charter member(s) of Lakeshore Tabernacle, Stella and Jerry co-founded and pastored Bethel Tabernacle in Columbus, Ohio. Upon returning to Kenosha, she originated a local radio show as a program of Lakeshore Tabernacle entitled “Good Ship Sunday School”, which aired on WLIP every Sunday morning. She continued the program at First Assembly of God Church through the late 1960’s. She founded Kiddie Kollege in 1965, which operated in various churches in Kenosha until 1993. At the time of her death, she was the owner and operator of Kiddie Kare A-Kademie, which has served thousands of Kenosha families with quality pre-school and childcare programs since 1991. As her health allowed, she could often be seen in the office of Kiddie Kare, where she was loved by her staff, parents, students and their families who entrusted her with the care of their children. The quality of care and superior early childhood education provided to families is well-known throughout Kenosha and the surrounding areas. Along with family, she co-founded and operated Treasure’s Christian Bookstore from 1982 until 1994.

Her devotion to the religious community was evident throughout her life. As a born-again Christian since the age of 8, Stella’s passion was ministering to children through her work as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Administrator, and life-long servant of the Lord. She was formerly a charter member of Lakeshore Tabernacle as well as a long-time, active member of The First Assembly of God Church.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jerry Tuttle, of Kenosha; two daughters: Melody (Robert – USAF Ret.), of Greenville NC and Holly Tuttle of Kenosha; a daughter-in-law, Carla Wyatt of Tulsa OK; and two loving grandchildren, Justin Bentz of Havre MT and Allison Tuttle of Tulsa OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son Terry (November 17, 1993); and her sister, Bertha Stanich.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, August 12, 2005 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM in the Youth Chapel of First Assembly of God Church. (The Youth Chapel is located in the west-end building of the new addition.) Funeral services for Mrs. Stella Tuttle will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2005 in the sanctuary of First Assembly of God Church at 10:00AM with an additional visitation immediately preceding at 9:00AM. A burial service at Greenridge Cemetery and a luncheon at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to First Assembly of God to support their youth and missions programs.