Joseph John Stempka, Jr.

Joseph John Stempka, Jr. age 72, passed unto the Lord peacefully with his family at his residence in Summit Twp. on Sunday, December 30, 2007.

He was born on April 18, 1935 son of the late Joseph and Martha Yakoweloff Stempka of Erie.

He was employed by Riley Stoker and GAF Corp. and was a successful co-owner of Advanced Welding Technologies, Inc.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sarah Bruner Stempka and their seven children: Theresa and Tony Heynoski, John and Linda Stempka, Ray and Cindy Stempka, Mary and Michael Schuetz, Pam and Doug Wheeler, Victoria Stempka and companion, James Russell, and Michael and Sheryl Stempka.

In addition to his children, Joseph is survived by his sister, Mary and Harold Brumagin, his brothers, Robert and Bernadett Stempka and Thomas and Sue Stempka. 18 grandchildren also survive Joseph: Anthony, Jr., Matthew and Sean Heynoski, John J., Bryan, and David Stempka, Paul, Adam, and Lindsay Stempka, Jessica, Jennifer, and Bobby Schuetz, Kenny and Annie Wheeler, Jacob and Jeramey Proper, Cody and Jessi Stempka, and eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. One sister, Marlene Luceas, preceded Joseph in death.

Dad enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his garage, and operating heavy equipment. He loved his family dearly and we will miss him very much.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A private funeral service and interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery will be held on Thursday at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12th St., Erie, PA 16505.