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Gerald Richard "Jerry" Stema, 89, died Aug. 8, 2026. He was born May 6, 1937, on the family farm near Posen, to Helen and Edward Stema.
Jerry grew up working on the family farm, where he developed the strong work ethic and love of the outdoors that stayed with him throughout his life. As a young boy, he stayed at a boarding school at St. Casimir's Church and later attended a one-room schoolhouse, where one of his winter responsibilities was keeping the wood stove burning. At times, he and the other children even stayed overnight when they had no ride home and the winter walk was too far.
As a young man, Jerry enjoyed wrestling with his brothers, neighbors and friends. He also learned to play several instruments, including the accordion, and played in a band.
Jerry met the love of his life, Eleanor Koss, in high school. They married in June 1958 and moved to Alpena, beginning their life together by renting a room in a house on Lockwood Street. They shared more than 66 years of marriage before Eleanor's passing in February 2025.
Jerry held several jobs as a young man before helping with the construction of the Abitibi facility in Alpena. He was later hired by Abitibi and eventually settled into the powerhouse, where he spent the majority of the next 25-plus years. He served for a time as a union steward and made many lifelong friendships with his coworkers.
Jerry truly never met a stranger. He had the gift of conversation and could strike up a friendship just about anywhere he went.
Family was at the center of Jerry's life. He and Eleanor loved to travel and packed up the family for a summer vacation nearly every August. They also loved to dance and could often be found polkaing around the floor at the Potato Festival.
Jerry loved the outdoors, cutting wood and wandering through the woods of the farm where he grew up. He was a gifted gardener who inevitably grew more vegetables than the family could use and happily shared the abundance with friends and neighbors.
He also loved playing cards with family and friends, including Spitzer -- a game some family members remain convinced Jerry may have made up. At family gatherings, Dad would often break out his accordion to play and sing old country songs and polkas.
As a Grandpa, Jerry had a playful side and loved teasing his grandchildren, including threatening to "throw them in the bushes" when they were young. As the years passed, he became an especially caring presence in their lives. Jerry was always there when someone needed him and taught his family more through his actions and example than words ever could.
Jerry was a National Guard veteran, Little League coach, gardener, mentor and true friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor; his parents, Helen and Edward; his sister, Janet Rondeau; and his brothers, Kenny and Lester.
Jerry is survived by his children, Diane Smith, Christine (Christopher) Zelenock, Tim (Cecelia) Stema, Matthew (Trudy) Stema and Mark Stema; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Eddie; and many extended family members and friends.
To his children, he was Dad. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Grandpa. And to countless others, simply Jerry -- a hardworking man who never met a stranger, loved his family deeply and was always willing to lend a hand. He was a mentor, a friend and, to his kids, a hero.
Family will receive friends at St. Anne Catholic Church All Saints Parish on Monday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Resurrection at 11 a.m. with Fr. Emmanuel Finbarr as celebrant. Arrangements have been entrusted with McWilliams Funeral Home.