Joe E. Stemper

Joe E. Stemper, 77 of Hokah passed away Tuesday December 6, 2016 at Gundersen Health System after a brief and unexpected illness. He was born October 9, 1939 to George and Alice Stemper. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School and served proudly for in the U.S. Air Force. He worked at Caterpillar in Illinois. When his father died, he took over the Stemper Well Company and operated it for 20 years. Later he spent 20 year as a precision machinist at Trane Company of La Crosse.
In his retirement years he enjoyed tutoring students at St. Peter’s in math two days a week. He was devoted to the church and served where he was needed.
He is survived by three children Brian (Tammy), Kelly (Dennis Zebell) and Terri (John Mc Fadden), by his grandchildren Amanda Turner, Kyle Link, Presley Stemper, Karly and Alyssa Stemper and by his great grandchildren Jazlynn Turner, Nolan Link and Kendra Link. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Ann, Al (Judy), Frank (Renae), Carol, and his aunts Mary Newburg and Leone Welter. He was preceded in death by two children, Eric and Ann by his parents, George and Alice, and by his brother and best friend, George.
Joe was a dedicated father who placed faith in God and family first. He was honest as the day was long and would always extend his hand to his neighbors or anyone in need. He was a devoted brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher and neighbor.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Hokah, MN. Rev. Pratap Reddy Salibindla will officiate. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Hokah. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crescent on Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM and at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.