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Joseph Lawrence Stelmah

About

Chaffey High School Pepperdine University

Joseph Stelmah Obituary

Passed away peacefully at his home on January 8, 2005. Age 62,he was born in Warren, Ohio on October 18, 1942, son of Joseph and Mary Stelmah who preceded him in death in 1972 and 1998. Joseph was a resident of Ontario, CA for 20 years, Carlsbad, CA for 16 years and has lived in Oro Valley, AZ for the past 10 years. Graduated from Chaffey High School, Ontario, CA in 1959, Chaffey Junior College, Alta Loma, CA in 1961, and Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, CA in 1974. He began his career in Aero Spa ce in 1961 with General Dynamics Pomona, CA. Transferred to San Diego by General Dynamics/Hughes in 1979, and to Tucson, AZ by Hughes/Raytheon in 1994. He was Production Manager for Raytheon's Air to Air missiles when he became disabled by lung cancer in 2003. Survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty (Moore) Stelmah of Oro Valley, son Rick and his wife Patricia of New Orleans, LA, Daughter Renee of Oro Valley, son Russell and his wife Jennifer of Phoenix, Az; also survived by his Grand-childen Ryan, Wyatt, Kieffer, Kali, Tony, Zach, and Alex, as well as his two sisters Susanne Stelmah Fry of Ontario, CA, and Linda Stelmah Papero of Gardnerville, NV. His numerous Aunts, Uncles,Nieces, Nephews, In-laws and Friends will miss him greatly. He was a man always willing to open his home and his heart to others and will be mourned by all who knew him. A memorial gathering will be held at the Elks Lodge, 1150 W. 4th Street, Ontario, CA from 1 to 5 pm on January 30th, 2005. His ashes will be interred at Bellevue M emorial Park in Ontario, Ca at a laterdate. Donations can be made to The American Cancer Society in his name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Bulletin on Jan. 15, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Stelmah

67 Entries

TOM STRACK

February 12, 2005

BETTY,

THE WISHES BY ALL YOUR FRIENDS IS MIRRORED BY, ME PLEASE KEEP YOURSELF WELL THIS TIME OF SORROW AND THE PEACE LARRY IS FEELING WILL SOON RETURN TO YOU ...TOM

Betty Stelmah

February 8, 2005

Well, my Larry.Your Memorial Gathering was on the 30th of January. Was an over-flow crowd of

relatives and friends. All of those truly special to us were there except for some of the relatives from Idaho and back East who simply couldn't make it, I know you understand since we'd not been able to make much of anything for the past two years ourselves.

Hope you somehow felt all the love pouring over you that day, and everyday here at home. Three more to go, dear, and then you can rest. There's the wake you requested on March 12th, and then the scattering of some of the ashes

and later an internment at Bellvue in Ontario. Know you didn't want that last, but it's what I need to do. Know you're able to read everyone's hearts and know that all the nice things written here by everyone are what they truly feel.

Love You, Tugboat

KAREN FISHELL (Schubert)

January 31, 2005

Betty,

I know it has been a long and arduous path that your family has been on since Larry became ill. How wonderful for him that he had such a loving and caring family around him during his time of crisis. You can be sure that he will be watching over you with the same love and respect that you offered him. Any time you need him, all you have to do is remember the wonderful things you did together, he will be there. My prayers are with all of you.

Debbie Olsen (Blair)

January 29, 2005

Dear betty and family, It's probably been about 30 years since I've seen your family. We use to live next door in Ontario and I use to babysit the kids. I am snding all my thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this time.

Darwin and Diane Nash

January 28, 2005

Betty

I'll never forget the close friendship that Larry and I had during our years at Chaffey High School, Chaffey College, and the years following. All those times of just cruisin' through Burger Lane or Henry's, a few games at one of the bowling alleys or just hangin' out together (maybe even a little homework) --- good times, never forgotten. Although we drifted apart due to job location, family, etc., I've thought of you both so many, many times and that's always a time for a smile and just a good feeling that we knew each other and cared. I know the love you and Larry have shared for so many years will forever give you strength and courage to keep on. May God bless you and your family.

Love Always

Liz Larson

January 27, 2005

Words cannot express how we feel. I was lucky to be adopted into the family over 30 years ago and became the 'older' sister. Will remember the joy and laughter that we shared around the table. Love and prayers to you and yours. Liz

Chuck & Sena Edgerle- - - Rita's Mom

January 27, 2005

Betty: Great to know you and and Larry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Joan & Dick Howard ---Rita's sister

January 27, 2005

Betty & family: Sorry for your loss, but good memories will always last.

Pam & John Padilla

January 25, 2005

We will miss you dearly, Joe. John has lost a mentor and great friend. You have always been so good to John and we have both enjoyed dinners and outings with you and Betty here in Tucson. All of your General Dynamics friends and Raytheon friends are sad to realize you have left us....I know you absolutely adore dear Betty, and we'll do what we can to watch out for her until we can all be together again. You have left behind many good memories and a legacy to your children, grandchildren, family and friends of a great man,provider and friend. We will miss you.

Lavina Fry

January 24, 2005

Larry is "In God's Care"

I ask God to comfort you and give you strength, and to bring you better days. It's what you deserve. because you are truley one of HIS beloved children.

Chaz Long

January 24, 2005

I am five again. After a short one hour drive to La Costa, there is aunt/grandma Betty out the door first to greet us followed closely by Uncle Larry broad, strong shoulders and a huge smile full of warmth and welcome.

"Hey Chazzer!, Merry Christmas!"

"Uncle Larry!, Merry Christmas!"

The memories are so vivid, Uncle Larry, they always will be. I have missed you. Until you are there to greet me again, I will always miss you. See you soon Aunt Betty and cousin R's, I think about you everyday.

-Ace

Janis/Samuel Smith

January 24, 2005

Betty and Family: This was given to me at a time of great loss in my life - hopefully, it will be a comfort to you..

Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. EVERYTHING REMAINS EXACTLY AS IT WAS. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me byway the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy was which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. PLAY, SMILE, THINK OF ME. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. ALL IS WELL.

Elizabeth Evans-Razi

January 23, 2005

It's hard to put into words what the loss of my Uncle's physical and mental presence means to my children and myself.

For me he not only was my uncle, he's also helped provide a sense of normality at critical times in my life.

I don't think he knew what he bargained for when he entered our big family. From such a young age for him he was bomdarded by a four little girls, my sisters and I, clinging on to him calling him Uncle. Soon there after he most graciously assumed the role of surrogate father at many Father/Daughter functions in my childhood when called upon.

For my family, my children, and myself, Aunt Betty and he became the model of what family gatherings could and should be through all the family events they hosted for both sides of the family.

These past ten years, with us all living in Tucson, brought us all much closer. Again Great Uncle Larry graciously filled in as a surrogate grandfather for my children. He led by quiet example, whether it was how to barbecue, play cards, discuss politics or history, or be a gentleman.

He leaves behind a great legacy in his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

I hope we all will take the best qualities he had and become the best we can be, kind of like my Uncle Larry always was to mine and me.

Pat (Ramirez) Garcia

January 23, 2005

Betty, there are no words to express the pain for the loss of your husband. May the memories you shared with him and your family be with you forever.

rose arnett

January 23, 2005

Betty & the R's

You know that I Love you all very much & that this is one of the hardest thinigs I've had to do, is to write something that express my sorrow about someone we've been so close to. I hope that you stay strong & keep seeking Him who loves you.

2Corinthians 1:4 - who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Always in Love,

Rose (Amante) Arnett

Joe Papero

January 23, 2005

Larry's spirit is with those who have gone before us. He will be missed by all that knew him. Brother and friend

Charity Castellanos-Pollitz

January 23, 2005

My life is richer because of Uncle Larry and Aunt Betty. Their home was and is a the epitomy of all that is "family". Uncle Larry was more of a grandpa to me and I can't express how blessed I feel to have loved him. There aren't many "men" like him, generous and strong, loving and wise. Thank you Uncle Larry.

Dan & Vanita Linthicum

January 23, 2005

Such a shining example, You influenced so many with your strength, compassion and genuine love. You made so many lives better, more than you'll know.

Until the "next" time Brother, we'll miss you.

Paul Ethridge

January 22, 2005

My larry rest in the house of the lord.

Susanne Fry

January 22, 2005

As Larry's "older sister" (the eldest of his two younger sisters)I always looked up to him. I have so many wonderful memories that I will always cherish and treasure. He was/is a major influence in my life. His extrodinary strength, fun loving spirit and integrity to encompass his large circle of family and friends is something I will always strive to obtain. Thanks for the wonderful memories Big Bro. I know you are still watching over us all with the same love & devotion.

Sister Sue

Jennifer,Jeremy & Trent Anthony

January 21, 2005

Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel with Uncle Larry's passing nor can we begin to find the words to describe what a wonderful strong man he was. Uncle,you will truely be missed and we hope you are at peace at last.

Rita & Sam Toro

January 21, 2005

Betty & Family

I wish I knew the words to express the love that we have for Larry,you & family. We are very Lucky to have such true friends to both of us. Larry was one of a kind, and we will truly miss him., but the memories we have will be with us forever. He is at peace now, and someday we will all be together again.

Much Love Sam & Rita

Nancy Sails

January 21, 2005

Betty, Although I hadn't seen Larry in many years I have so many fond memories from our youth. You and Larry meant a lot to me and I thank you for including me in your thoughtful updates of Larry's condition. You both are certainly an example of what it means "till death do us part". May the memories of your life together sustain you and your family.

Love to you all,

Nancy (Swift) Sails

Betty Stelmah

January 21, 2005

We thank all of you that are signing the Guest Book so very much.

I can't even begin to tell you how

much it means to us.

Thought you might want to know that there are now photos in the

Photo Gallery. Just click on "View

The Photo Gallery" to the right of

here to see them.

The photos that are there I put there, but you are free to add to

them if you wish to do so.

Again, my/our thanks

Betty

Brent Avery

January 20, 2005

Dear Betty~

I'm so sorry, wish I was able to have come out there. April read the obituary here in SD and I tried to get on the guestbook from the union trib, but wasn't able to. My memories of Joe are of a kind andglorious man. Father of a very good friend and husband to an extended mom of mine.

Please give my warm wishes to Rick and all the others.

Love you,

Brent

Ryan, Kieffer, Susanne, Renee, Linda, and Kali Sept. 2002

January 20, 2005

Russ & Jennifer June 2000

January 20, 2005

Rick & Patricia June 2000

January 20, 2005

The Mom's April, 1994 (both widows)

January 20, 2005

Santa & Joe/Larry Christmas Week 2004

January 20, 2005

Joe/Larry&Betty Christmas Eve 2003

January 20, 2005

Jim Calderhead

January 20, 2005

Being the newest member added to the family, I haven't known Larry as long as most of the other folks, but in the time that I've been with the family I have not seen a man with more integrity, surrounded by a family that truly loves him and looked to him for strength. Larry thank you for bringing a good family experience to my life, you will be missed!

Judy (Jackson) Ridenour

January 20, 2005

With Larry Joe's passing, the world has lost such a loving, gentle, caring man. We all know how much he adored you, Betty. Your courage is an inspiration to all of us.

Love, Judy

(high school classmate and email friend)

His children, Rick, Renee, Russ June 2001

January 20, 2005

Wedding Reception, Aug. 12, 1961

January 20, 2005

Joe/Larry and Betty early 1990's

January 20, 2005

Larry/Joe and his sisters, Sept. 2002

January 20, 2005

Carol and Gus Gaglio

January 19, 2005

We will always smile about the good times and great memories we all shared tho we did'nt get to be together often of late.All love to you and yours.

Annette and Jim Lamb

January 19, 2005

Larry will be missed by many, many people. He was a wonderful, giving man, who dearly loved his family and many friends, who inturn, adored him. His passing is a loss, but his life was a blessing to many.

Jo Washburn

January 19, 2005

Betty,

I was so sad to hear of Larry's passing. I know he is in a better place. I did not have the honor to know him well, but my folks, Lois and Dale did and they love him. I'm sure they were there to greet him with open loving arms. I love you cousin Betty. You are in my prayers. Love Jo

Scott Christy

January 19, 2005

Betty and family. I was deeply saddened to hear about Larry. He will always be a fond memory in my heart and will be greatly missed.

Diana (Myskow) Nittel

January 18, 2005

Betty,

We have been talking for a long time by e-mail and thanks to you I got to know what a great person Larry is. I just want you to know that he is still with you and will take care of you, if not here but from a better place where he will be watching over you as always. You will always be in his heart as he is in yours and he is beside you forever. You know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love, Diana

Nancy Romaine

January 18, 2005

Dear Betty although you and I were classmates I never had the pleasure of meeting Larry. I know you loved him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you all.

Debra Peters-Young

January 18, 2005

Betty & R's...your entire family are in our prayers. My family (The Peters)has been talking about the good old times we had with everyone and there are so many...can't forget "Yicky, Yenee, & Yussell". I am fortunate to know the Stelmahs. Love, Debbi

Charity McCracken

January 18, 2005

You're in our thoughts because you're in our hearts. And you're in our hearts,not simply because we are family, but because you did family so well. Thank you for all the hugs, holidays and happy memories. Your influence in my life is unmeasurable. You will be missed the same. Love you, my brother, sometimes father and friend.

Joe/Larry Stelmah

January 18, 2005

DARBI L. PETERS

January 18, 2005

My memories of Larry, and the whole Stelmah family are from Ontario,Little League games, and Girls' softball games. I'll treasure them forever! See you another place, another time!

Kimberly Rossomanno

January 16, 2005

I will always treasure the memories of sharing Thanksgiving Holidays with you when I was young. I love you dearly.

With fondest memories,

Your great niece

Pearl Gabaldon

January 16, 2005

I speak for the Esterline family that we send our Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy for you especially and to the rest of the family.

We know how much he will be missed.

Tom & Valarie Lemm

January 16, 2005

Our time together will always be the memory we cherish the most.

Love Tom and Valarie

Barb Fraser

January 16, 2005

Betty and Larry are officially part of the Clan Fraser and have been since we first met in Ontario so many years ago. Larry has been greatly admired and loved by all of us for all that time. Joe we didn't know so well, but learned to respect and admire. It is hard to comprehend that he will not be present in person at our family gatherings, but we know he will be(as he always was) smiling down upon us and enjoying the scene with our Doug. Our prayers are with Betty and "the kids."

Daniel, David, Doug and Barbara Fraser.

Melinda Rosenberger Killin

January 16, 2005

Betty, You and I were in High School together.

My prayers are with you, today and always!

John B. Moss

January 16, 2005

L aughter and joy,

A nd the good times ~

R emember when times were so good?

R ight now, by your side, he is with you,

Y ou never had it so good!

~ with fond memories, I am happy to have known the husband of my dear cousin. My warmest regards to YOU , visiting family member and friend.

Warren & Revel Peters

January 15, 2005

Our prayers are with you and your Family Betty. How fortunate we are to be able to say we were friends of Larry Stelmah!

Chris Wymore Kelley

January 15, 2005

Many years have pasted since my last seeing Larry. Our kids began their lives together in Ontario,CA

We shared good & bad times back then. Larry was the quite one but very smart. We drifted through the years, but our families were tied together since our youth and new each other was there for encouraging words and prayers. My heart & prayers are now with Betty and family, for Larry is at peace with our Lord.

Danielle Davies(Marlette)

January 15, 2005

Larry was a wonderful person I am glad to have known him. Since even before my father married his sister Susanne he always treated me with kindness and as one of the family. He is greatly missed. And my prayers go out to the entire family.

Chris, Dametra & Jackson Marletti

January 15, 2005

May God bless you and your family

Kathy Scamihorn

January 15, 2005

What a gift you had in Larry. I wish we had been closer. My heart is with you, sister & family.

With love,

Kathy, Gary, Christopher & Jesse

Kathleen Page

January 15, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

walter marlette

January 15, 2005

Words cannot express my feelings at this time, however please know that my heart and prayers are with all of you and that my memories,( limited as they were),of Larry will always be some of my more pleasant times. God bless and keep you always. For all ways, Walt

Vanda Winchester (Walls)

January 15, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marilyn & Larry Lawrence

January 15, 2005

Larry Joe is my wonder-full brother-in-law. During his Ontario service and from my home, I will be holding a constant vigil with an unbroken awareness of Larry-Joe's love and light. And, too, I will be consciously sending peaceful, loving thoughts to all our family and friends.

Stephanie Stump

January 15, 2005

My beloved Uncle Larry. You are always thought upon fondley.

Love your niece, Tay

Betty Stelmah

January 15, 2005

Your Shelly niece made me aware of

this site, my beloved, missed husband. People have been wonderful, Larry. I know you know that and are as grateful for all of them as the R's and K's and I have

been.

My Love,

Tugboat

Linda Papero

January 15, 2005

Larry was truly a great brother. When I got married 33 years ago, our father was in the hospital. Larry is the one that walked me down the asile. I have a picture of the two of us and it is my favorite one.I used to tease him and our sister, Susanne, that I was the "younger sister". I will really miss him. I love you Larry and you will always be in my thoughts.

Love, your younger sister.

Shelly (Fry) Calderhead

January 14, 2005

I have never before known such a strong,distinguished man, with more class and dignity than my Uncle Larry.He was and will continue to always be the rock to our family and a very special part of my life, as an uncle and Godfather. I am blessed to have had him in my life, as I am sure anyone who has known him feels.

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