Search by Name

Search by Name

Joseph Stemach Obituary

Joseph Stemach December 20, 1912 April 2, 2014 Joseph Stemach passed away April 2, 2014, at age 101. Born December 20, 1912, he was a life-long resident of Eureka who contributed a worthy chapter to this city's history. His father, Matt Stemach, an immigrant from Yugoslavia, was Eureka's first green grocer. Joe and his three sisters worked in Matt's Fifth Street market as young adults. Matt bought huckleberries from local Native Americans, and it was Joe's job to load the huckleberries onto ocean-going schooners bound for the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, world-renowned for its huckleberry pie. Each Fall, Joe drove to Healdsburg to bring back a ton of grapes so his family and other Yugoslavs in Eureka could make wine. He sold fireworks now certainly illegal and even "managed" the market's slot machine then considered legal all to supplement the family's income. During the Depression years, Matt asked Joe to "keep food on the family table." His adventures in doing so led to a life-long passion for fishing and out-door adventures. Joe said that those years were among the best of his life because he "could live like Huckleberry Finn" catching fish, raiding potato fields in the middle of the night, even stealing whiskey from moonshiners which, during Prohibition, he re-sold at local dances for 25› a bottle. In 1937, Joe rode his Harley Davidson motorcycle across the Golden Gate Bridge on the day the bridge opened to vehicles. But he gave up his Harley to wed Mary Pawlus, his loving wife of nearly 74 years. Mary preceded him in death in 2011 at age 94. During World War II, Joe served as a Supply Sergeant in Europe. Once again, he was responsible for putting food on the table, this time for a company of soldiers that moved from England to France and Germany. He earned the Bronze Star twice. After the war, he returned to Eureka where he and Mary raised five children Joe Jr., Jerry, Janice, Judy, and Jim. The children attended St. Bernards where Joe helped with Dads' Club chores. Every Thanksgiving, he single-handedly ran a raffle for charity. Joe was general manager for thirty years at Andrew Rosaia, Inc, a wholesale liquor distributor. He was an early responder in the 1964 disaster relief efforts for flood and tidal wave victims. He started one of Eureka's first recycling programs, visiting schools to raise awareness among young people. Joe and Mary received recognition from national magazines for their backyard flower gardens. He encouraged his children including ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the great outdoors. It is, in his words, the finest cathedral on Earth. The community honored Joe on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The family wishes to mark his passing publicly by that event. They will celebrate his passing privately. Contributions in his name may be made to Hospice of Humboldt County who, together with Doctor Edward Olsgard kept this centenarian smiling to the end. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.

Published by Times-Standard from Apr. 4 to Apr. 6, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Stemach

Not sure what to say?





Always and Forever in our hearts.

Marta Valdez

Family

March 29, 2021

Janice, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. You were such a devoted daughter to both your Dad and your Mom - how lucky they were to have you in their lives! Your Dad lived a long and very fulfilling life and is now with your Mom together again! My heart goes out to you and all of your family. Take good care of yourself and treasure all the wonderful memories you have with your parents.

Kathy C.

Kathy C.

April 11, 2014

Dear Judy and Janice, I am sorry to hear about your loss of your father. What a great life story. I remember your parents volunteering at school and visiting in your friendly home. It's really nice to be reminded of those times. I send you and your family my deepest sympathy. Katie Buxton Benouar

Katie Buxton Benouar

April 10, 2014

Uncle Joe was such a great man. I have many memories of him at the cabin. I can still see him carrying his fishing pole and fishing basket and off he would go to the river. He was a great fisherman. Uncle Joe was always smiling, always happy and a great story teller. Now Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary are together once again, along with my step-Dad, who I miss so very very much.
My love to the family.

Marta Valdez

April 8, 2014

Joe, Jerry, Janice, Judy and Jim, We send our condolences and hope that your memories of all the good times with your dad will bring you comfort.
Your dad was a big influence and gave me guidance in various business decisions in my life.
I am sure now,Aunt Mary and Mom are planning a trip to Daly's coat sale and Uncle Joe, Dad and Uncle Ibe are planning their opening day flyfishing trip in May on the Mad River.
Our heartfelt sympathy, Ed and Deanna

Ed Pawlus

April 8, 2014

Joe sat at the same table with my mom, Eula, for several years at Timber Ridge. He had the best smile and twinkle in his eyes when he said hello. It was wonderful to read the history of his life and I feel honored to have known him.

Vicki Wilson

April 8, 2014

Jeanne and I were saddened to learn of Joe's passing. Joe was truly a wonderful person and one of the most important mentors in my life. I will forever have great memories of him.

Very sincerely,
Craig Perrone

April 7, 2014

Judy, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father! Although we have never met him, from all of the wonderful stories we have heard, he was nothing short of amazing! We hope you, and the rest of his family and friends, find comfort in your grief to know he is united with the love of his life in Heaven.

Jill and Kevin Martin

April 7, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a great guy and had such a great sense of humor.
Jim Bonhote

James Bonhote

April 7, 2014

Sorry for your loss a man of great achievements. Again my condolences for the loss of Joseph. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life can help to sustain you during this difficult time found at John 17:3. Sincerely; LaRae

April 7, 2014

Judy, and family. It is never easy losing a parent. But with the longevity of both of yours, you have shared some wonderful memories. Everytime you talked of your parents you had that smile on your face. Please keep the good times in your heart. Your Mom and Dad will always be there for you. Sorry for your Loss

Lora Judd

April 5, 2014

Janice so sorry to hear of this. I remember all the stories about his gardening, especially his begonia's. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Gaye Gerdts

April 5, 2014

Joe and Mary Stemach have been reunited for eternity and are now at peace in each other's loving embrace. They lived very full lives, raising five children and giving to their community. Their two beautiful daughters, Janice and Judy, that always remained devoted to Joe and Mary, are a testament to the love learned through their Mom and Dad and the caring and compassion that the girls displayed toward their parents was remarkable. In later years Janice and Judy made sure that all of Joe and Mary's needs were met, and that they always had a sympathetic ear. Whether the discussion was about sports, current events or just an observation, the lines of communication were always open with the girls.
Joe and Mary, you are remembered with love, and send a smile our way once in a while.

Lynn Bennett

April 5, 2014

Thank you God for the Stemach family who taught all of us how to live a blessed life. Joan Anderson Masaryk, Prescott, Arizona

April 5, 2014

To the Stemach Family,
While celebrating a friend's birthday at Timber Ridge I had the pleasure of meeting Joe. We talked quite a bit, I found him delightful. He and Mary lived across from my brother and sister-in-law but I'd never spoken to him. After reading his story he obviously found fulfillment in giving of himself. His is truly a life to celebrate, his family was blessed. Joan Lee

Joan Lee

April 5, 2014

Janice, Judy and Family our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mickey & Yvonne

Mickey Brophy

April 4, 2014

Im sorry to hear of Joes passing.He was a great man,he will me greaty missed.You will me in my thoughts and prayers. Elmer Grammer

Elmer Grammer

April 4, 2014

Such a great loss of such a wonderful man. We will always remember him with that big smile ready to help all of us in the neighborhood with whatever we needed. Our thought and prayers to all of you and our hope that all the wonderful memories you carry in your hearts will carry you through your great loss.
Russ and Sandi Wahlund

April 4, 2014

My first rememberance is aunt and uncle living on Henderson street. Then on m st. I loved stopping by to visit. I lived just three blocks down the street. Great aunt and uncle...Emil Pawlus

Emil Pawlus

April 4, 2014

We are so saddened by the loss of Joe but are so happy for he and Mary to be joined once again for always. We have missed them both and remember with such wonderful memories of them watching out for us every day as the best neighbors ever. We learned so much about love, life & marriage from these two wonderful people and thank God for their presence in our lives. With much love and prayers to all the family. Gary & Lynn

Lynn Cunningham

April 4, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to all your family! Such an amazing man that I had the privilege to have known and worked with :)

Bucky Steele

April 4, 2014

This is truly the "end of an era" for those of us that grew up on "M" Street and Mr. and Mrs. Stemach were part of the "village" that raised us. What a long life that was well lived. He and "Aunt Mary" most definitely proved that they were "the greatest generation."

Lora Frediani Canzoneri

April 4, 2014

Condolence to the Stemach family on the loss of this fine man. What a life well lived.

Ginevra Blake

April 4, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the Stemach family for the great loss of their father. I grew up in the West avenue neighborhood with Joe and Mary and they were lfelong friends with my family. I will always remember their great style amd generocity.

Patrick Gallagher

April 4, 2014

Our sincere condolences to the entire Stemach family. Joe was an amazing man who will be missed by many.

Jeff & Tuesday Peterson

April 4, 2014

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph Stemach's name

Memorial Events
for Joseph Stemach

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph Stemach's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more