Frank J. Stehr

Franz Josef (Frank) Stehr of Glenshaw passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, less than a month after his 95th birthday. Franz was born on April 28th, 1931 in Ziegenhals, Germany. He was the 8th, and youngest child of Paul and Antonie (Klein) Stehr.

Franz emigrated to the United States in 1949, settling in Pittsburgh. It was there that he met his wife Dolores (Knauss) Stehr, to whom he was married for 52 years.

After his arrival in the United States, Franz was employed at Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company, Hinkle Greenhouses, and Bush Nursery before opening his own landscaping business in 1960. He also worked in the winter as a ski instructor at several local ski areas, most notably at Seven Springs, where he also served as Ski School Director.

Franz was an active member (and past President) of the Teutonia Männerchor club for 75-years. He also performed for over 50 years in the Schweizer Männerchor Helvetia (the Pittsburgh Swiss Singers).

He and Dolores were leaders of the Austrian-American Cultural Society of Pittsburgh and key in fundraising for the Austrian Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh. Always a charitable person, Franz supported many organizations over the years, most notably including the Wounded Warriors Foundation, Little Sisters of the Poor and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

His beloved wife Dolores passed away in September 2004. Franz was also proceeded in death by his grandson Jared Christian Stehr in August 1991.

He is survived by his children Paul Stehr-Green (Jeanette) of Port Angeles, WA; Carolyn Johnson (Robert) of Rochester Hills, MI; and John Stehr (Amy) of Zionsville, IN. Surviving grandchildren include Morgan John, Connor Thomas (Tiffany), Jean Elizabeth, Riley Gail, and Meredith Antonie. He also had one great-grandchild: Bowen Xiao Stehr.

He will be interred at the Mt. Royal Cemetery, with a celebration of life to follow at a date to be determined.

His children and grandchildren wish to thank all of those who helped look after Franz, especially in recent years. He had a loving heart and was well-loved by those who knew him.

German philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote: “Wer im Gedächtnis seiner Lieben lebt, ist nicht tot, er ist nur fern..” (”He who lives in the memory of his loved ones is not dead, he is only distant..”).

Our father and Opa will continue to live on in our memories and we are blessed to have his example to guide us.