Eugene Joseph Stemper, 82, of Caledonia, Minnesota passed away peacefully on the morning of February 27, 2015.
Eugene was born May 24, 1932 to John and Marie (Hurley) Stemper. He attended Loretto High School in Caledonia. Eugene served in the United States Army from 1956-1958; stationed with NATO forces in Germany. After returning from military service, Eugene was united in marriage with Saverna (Sis) Scheckel on October 14, 1961 in Springbrook, Iowa.
Eugene was a lifelong farmer and community member in Caledonia. He was deeply devoted to his faith, family, farm, and community, all in which he took great pride. He found much enjoyment in fishing with family at nearby fishing holes and summer trips to the lake. Most of all he enjoyed gatherings with family and friends at the farm or anywhere around a good campfire.
He is survived lovingly by his wife Saverna, seven children and 15 grandchildren, Al (Laurie), Alisha, Abbey, and Emily of St. Cloud, Minnesota; Mary of Marshfield, Wisconsin; Rich (Holly), Emmit and Mitchell of Decorah, Iowa; David (Jill), Aaron, Erik, and Anne of Caledonia; John, Haylie (Zach) Carlson, Reese, and Curtis of Byron, Minnesota; Jim (Kate), Harley and Alex of Caledonia; and Joe (Kris), Ben and Colin of Caledonia.
Eugene is further survived by his sisters, Jo Ann (Harlan) Ingvalson of Caledonia; Sister Joyce Stemper, OSF of St. Paul; Mariette (Phil) Vieth of Hastings, Minnesota; Jackie (Robert) Pitel of La Crescent, Minnesota; brother, Larry of Caledonia; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James; mother and father-in-law, Florian and Olga Scheckel; brother-in-law, Mahlon Scheckel; sister-in-law Leanna Kilburg; and brother in-law, Ardell Schmidt.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia, on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 10:30 with Father Matt Fasnacht officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in Calvary Cemetary. Visitation will be Sunday, March 1, 2015 at St. Mary’s Holy Family Hall from 4 pm to 7 pm with prayer service at 6:00 pm and also on Monday at 9:30 am in the church gathering space. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences maybe given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.
Rest in peace good and faithful servant.