Obituary of Velta R. Stirm

Velta Roene Stirm, a lifelong resident of Lodi, passed away in Lodi on February 7, 2022, at the
age of 85. Mrs. Stirm was born in Lodi, California, on July 23, 1936, to Calvin William Horst
and Alera Melrose Horst of Lodi. She and her family lived in Woodbridge in her early years.
Later, she attended Lodi High School until her graduation in June 1955. She started her career
with Klinger Steel in Stockton, California as a bookkeeper. Thereafter, she was the school
secretary at St. Peter Lutheran School, a job she loved for over 20 years.
Mrs. Stirm married Milton Elwood Stirm on June 17, 1956, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lodi.
They made their home in Lodi and spent over 51 years together. They were both active at
St. Peter Lutheran Church. In addition to working at St. Peter Lutheran School, Mrs. Stirm was
involved as secretary for Aid Association for Lutherans, a member of the Senior Choir, a
member of the cast of the Journey at Christmas, and an usher at church and funeral services. She
loved to crochet, golf and travel the world and delighted in spending time with her
grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be missed by many.
Mrs. Stirm was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Alera Horst, her husband, Milton
Stirm and sister, Lucille Griffen. She is survived by her sister, Maxine Cadwallader of Lodi.
She is also survived by her daughter, Paula and her husband, Darryl Hefley of Galt; their
daughters, Natalie Hefley and Denae Hefley; her son, Barry Stirm of Lodi; and his daughters,
Chanel Lanier and Jaime Stirm, and son, Tayt Stirm. The family extends a personal thank you to
Dr. Joseph Gayagoy and his staff in Lodi, California Caretakers, Brookdale Memory and
Alzheimer's Unit and VITAS Healthcare.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 16 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Lodi Funeral
Home located at 725 South Fairmont, Lodi. A private family service will be held on February 16
at the Lodi Memorial Cemetery located at 5750 E. Pine Street, Lodi. A celebration of life service
will be held on Saturday, February 19, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church located at 2400
Oxford Way, Lodi, California After the service, guests are invited to join in the St. Peter Social
Hall for a luncheon and a time to visit and reminisce.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the St. Peter Lutheran
Choir Fund located at 2400 Oxford Way, Lodi, California, 95242 or their personal choice.