Stahl retires as ARC volunteer coordinator

Van Wert independent/VWH-Red Cross information

The American Red Cross and Van Wert Hospital are saying goodbye to one of their most dedicated volunteers. Dottie Stahl is retiring after 20 years as the American Red Cross volunteer coordinator at Van Wert Hospital. Stahl’s dedication has not only touched the lives of many patients but others who were fortunate to have worked with her.

“As the Van Wert Hospital’s Red Cross coordinator for many years, Dottie Stahl devoted her life to serving with passion and devotion. Dottie exemplifies volunteerism,” says Georgiann Nungester, vice president of Ancillary Services at Van Wert Hospital.

Stahl began her tenure volunteering with the Red Cross Blood Services Program and Disaster Services. She served on the Van Wert Chapter of the Red Cross’ Board of Directors for a six-year term before becoming the Red Cross volunteer coordinator at the hospital.

“I believe Dottie’s success was best exemplified when a retiring doctor asked if he could become a part of Dottie’s program,” says local Red Cross Executive Director Edie Laukhuf. Laukhuf worked with Stahl for nine years.

“I ‘inherited’ Dottie when I became the chapter director and she was the best inheritance I have ever had,” Laukhuf added. “She fulfilled her position with such grace and precision, I am extremely grateful to have been a student under Dottie’s expert guidance.”

Over time, Stahl has expanded the volunteer program at the hospital. Her staff of volunteers serve 14 departments throughout the hospital, as well as Van Wert Medical Services.

“Van Wert Hospital’s staff, volunteers and board members offer a heartfelt thanks to Dottie for her dedication to the hospital. Her presence will be truly missed,” says Vann Wert Hospital President/CEO Mark Minick.

Carol Hennis will be assuming the duties of the American Red Cross volunteer coordinator for the hospital.

“No organization can survive without a foundation,” Hennis said. “Dottie has certainly laid that foundation. Now it is up to us to build upon it to assist VWH with serving the needs of the community.”

Recently, Stahl and her husband, Bob, who is also a Red Cross volunteer at the hospital, celebrated 65 years of marriage.

For information about Red Cross volunteer opportunities at Van Wert Hospital, call Laukhuf 419.238.9977.