General Information
Full Name: Ralph A. Stemig
Date of Birth: January 2, 1926
Date of Death: November 26, 2013
Ralph’s life story
Ralph Stemig
Ralph Anthony Stemig was born January 2, 1926 to parents Peter and Catherine (Pieper) Stemig on the family farm. Ralph was the middle of the five children. He was so small when he was born that he fit into a shoe box. As a child he enjoyed working on the farm and driving the Fordson tractor. Ralph attended school in St. Joseph through the 8th grade and then graduated from Jordan High School. He continued his education at Dunwoody Institute earning a degree in carpentry.
When the family moved off the farm and into town Ralph discovered his love of carpentry. He learned his trade working with relatives on the Pieper side of the family. Ralph mastered the art of carpentry and spent his life running Stemig Construction. He built many houses in Jordan, and everyone knew that if Ralph built it…it was built right. He eventually passed his knowledge and expertise in quality construction onto the generations that followed him.
As a young man, Ralph enlisted in the Army Air Force and proudly served his country for a number of years based out of Texas. After being honorably discharged and completing his education at Dunwoody, Ralph decided it was time to settle down. He and a couple of friends started attending dances. It was at one particular dance at the Prom Ballroom in St. Paul that a beautiful, young woman caught his eye. He approached this woman and learned that her name was Kathy Budde. The two hit it off immediately. They dated for a few years and eventually exchanged wedding vows at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in St. Paul. Ralph and Kathy made Jordan their home.
Ralph loved being with his family and friends; he was a true people-person. He went on hunting and fishing trips and enjoyed spending time with Kathy in their RV in Richmond, MN. Ralph always looked forward to his weekly game of sheephead with the guys. They’d gather every Monday night to play cards, drink beer, smoke cigars and most importantly spend time with close friends.
He was a member of the Commercial Club, Knights of Columbus and Catholic Aid. Whenever Ralph would help out with his organizations, he had a smile on his face. He was a dedicated husband, loving brother, kind uncle and meticulous carpenter.
Ralph Stemig died peacefully surrounded by family the afternoon of November 26, 2013. He is remembered by his wife, Kathy Stemig of Jordan; brother, Elwin (Pat) Stemig of Los Angeles; sisters, Clare (Walt) Kuechle of Jordan, Lucille Hogan of Jordan; sisters-in-law, Viola Stemig of Jordan, Margaret (Bob) Regal of South St. Paul; nieces and nephews, Tom (Lorie) Stemig, Steve (Linda) Stemig, Joyce Stemig, Pete (Jane) Stemig, Dave (Cherie) Stemig, Sandy (Jim) Jeurissen, Frank (Jo Ann) Kuechle, Jan (Gary) Stephens, Paul (Nancy) Kuechle, Phil (Michile) Kuechle, Anne (Paul) Maxa, Carol (Mike) O’Keefe, Tom (Karen) Hogan, Mike (Michelle) Stemig, Kathy Stemig, Kelly (Mike ) Regal Schrag , Ann Regal, Jean (Jeff) Ulstad ; other loving relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Peter and Catherine Stemig; brother, Florenz Stemig; brother-in-law, Mal Hogan.
Pall bearers for Ralph are his nephews, Tom, Steve, Pete, Dave, Frank, Paul, Phil, Tom and Mike.
Visitation is Monday, December 2, 2013, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home; 104 First Street West; Jordan, MN 55352. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; 215 Broadway Street North; Jordan, MN 55352. Father Timothy Yanta will preside. Ralph will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
The Stemig family is served with care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation Services.
Visitation
When: Monday, December 2, 2013 4-7 pm
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 104 First Street West
Jordan, MN
Also one hour prior the service at church on Tuesday.
Service Information
When: Tuesday, December 3, 2013, 11:00 am
Location: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Address: 313 East 2nd Street
Jordan, MN
Interment
Calvary Cemetery
Jordan, MN
