"Stehle studied at Schwäbisch Gmünd . In 1870 he assumed the post of organist at St. Columban's Church in Rorschach . He founded the St. Gallen Cecilian Society for the Promotion of Catholic Vocal Music. In 1874 Stehle was appointed music director of the Abbey of Saint-Gall, where he gained a reputation as a composer and conductor. The University of Friborg awarded him a doctorate in arts in 1911. During his career he was also choirmaster at Eichstätt and professor at Winterthur ."