Search by Name

Search by Name

Edwin Stempler Obituary

Edwin S. Stempler, MD, dedicated orthopedic surgeon, passed away Aug. 5, 2011 in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He is survived by his loving wife, Norma; two children, Robert and Helene, their spouses, and two adoring grandchildren. He served his country in the Korean War. Edwin loved New York, taking care of people, and Rotary. He was an enthusiastic tennis player and tournament doctor and also enjoyed classical music and ragtime jazz. We miss you already, Stemp. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to "Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert."

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

Published by The Desert Sun from Aug. 13 to Aug. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Stempler

Not sure what to say?





Shubha & Jay Kerkar

September 20, 2011

Dear Norma:
I am so sorry to hear of this sad news. Ed was a wonderful friend and always caring and kind. We have some very fond memories of good times together. One of which is when you -Ed and Jay and I went to Chinatown to eat the best "dimsum" ever!! I will never forget how special that was for us- at that time since we were new in town. May god give you courage to endure this loss....

Scott Steingard

August 30, 2011

Dear Norma,
We were saddened to learn that Ed passed away. We remember quite fondly the time we spent with you both at the sports medicine meetings.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Scott and Sharon Steingard

Susan Marie Weber

August 30, 2011

Dear Norma and Robert and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. In his Rotary family, he is missed so very much - he truly set the standard for what we shuld all strive to be.
love and hugs to you,
Susan Marie Weber

August 24, 2011

Dear Norma,

I was so sorry to year about Dr. Stempler. Both my sister Candace Jenkins and I thought he was such a nice man who always took the time to talk with either one of us. I personally enjoyed my time working for both of you. He will definitely be missed. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Julie Christy

Nancy Tapick

August 23, 2011

Dear Norma and Family,

I was truly saddened to hear of Ed's passing. He was a kind and caring man and will be sorely missed. You have my deepest sympathy. I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Nancy Tapick

August 21, 2011

Dear Norma and Family: It has been my pleasure to have known Ed professionally and as a friend for many years in the desert. I am sure he enriched many lives as he did mine. You have my deepest sympathy. Don Bolas (Palm Desert).

Hugh Nasr

August 20, 2011

Dear Norma:Ziba and I offer our sincere and deepest condolences at the sudden passing of Edwin.Just a few days before he was teaching me the use of the apps on his iphone.As his medical colleague I remember his interest and kindness to us when I started practice here years ago.We will miss his vibrant and outgoing spirit.Ziba and Hugh Nasr,MD

LaVerne Wash

August 20, 2011

Mrs. Norma Stempler and Family,
I'am deeply sadden for the passing of Dr. Stempler.I have known and worked beside him for many, many, many years at Desert Hospital Surgery Dept. What a Knowledgeable and skilled orthopedic surgeon he was.He will be greatly missed. May God continue to bless and keep you, and may you keep the good memories forever in your hearts.

Diane Hunter

August 19, 2011

Norma: I have known Dr. Stempler and you for many, many years. How fortunate for me. My condolences to you, Helene and Robert

August 18, 2011

Dear Norma and Family,
We will always remember how good you both were to my mother Lillian and how many times we enjoyed your company.
Deepest sympathy, Art & Kathy Block

Marilyn Hahn

August 17, 2011

Dear Norma,

I was so very shocked and saddened to learning of Ed's passing. I had planned to see him for an appointment but several tragedies in my life delayed me. My heart goes out to you.
He was such a caring dr. and one could always turn to him when others failed.

Please contact me (760-360-1963 or e-mail me at [email protected]) and let's get together for a chat or bite when you are feeling up to it.

Marilyn Hahn

Sally&Marvin Brooks

August 17, 2011

Dear Norma&Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Ed's passing. He touched many lives throughout the desert and will be greatly missed. Sally & Marvin Brooks

August 17, 2011

Norma:
Dr. Ed touched so many people in so many ways. I am one of those who so looked forward to his hug, smile, handshake, and
always such kind words. Dr. Ed helped
so many in so many ways, performed mitzvah's all day long every day.
I can not imagine the Desert community
without his presence.
Joanne Leinow
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert

Jackie Cooper

August 16, 2011

Norma-Dr.Ed was so very kind!I and the Desert tennis community wil miss him greatly.

August 16, 2011

Norma, Ed was a great man I am so fortunate to have been his friend. Fondly, Kenny Rosenberg.

Phil Sheller

August 16, 2011

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert, present and past, and all of the children, mentors and staff who have been a part of this organization over the past fifteen years, I want to express our profound sadness at the loss of Dr. Ed Stempler.

He was one of the founders of our local organization and he never waivered in putting forth maximum effort to insure that things were done right and that we got the resources so vital to our operation. His was a heart full of love and he expressed it magnificently through his medical career, his many friendships and his devotion to so many worthy causes.

All of us who were touched by his life are thankful for that gift and we will always remember his enthusiasm, his graciousness, his giving nature and his immense ability in all he did. Thanks Dr. Ed. You will be terribly missed.

Phil Sheller, President Board of Trustees

Pamela Bieri

August 16, 2011

To Norma and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Ed's passing! We always enjoyed talking about food and restaurants whenever we saw you both at various events. You both were always so kind to my parents when they lived at The Springs. We'll never forget your friendship. Pray for comfort for you. Our deep condolences to all of you.
Sincerely, Pam and Roland Bieri

Cheryle White

August 16, 2011

The Stempler Family
I was so sorry to hear of your loss, Dr. Stempler was a wonderful physician and person. I worked for him doing x-rays years ago and really enjoyed him and Norma. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Cheryle White/Indio

Lowell and Martha Katz

August 16, 2011

Norma:

Our deepest sympathy go to you and your family. Ed was a wonderful person who gave so much to his family

Steven & Christine Lutke

August 15, 2011

Dear Stempler Family,
Dr. Stempler was a wonderful doctor while he took care of me when I broke my leg. He also took good care of my husband's sprained ankle. Steve always considered him one of his favorite telephone customers. He will be missed by many in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Christine and Steven Lutke

Gina Tegland

August 15, 2011

To the Stempler family,

We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you through this difficult time and always.

The Tegland Family and Anne Martlaro

Anita & Morrie Markell

August 15, 2011

Our deepest condolences.

Anita & Morrie Markell

Mike Frizzell

August 15, 2011

I feel privileged to have worked with Doc on BBBS. I also saw him professionally as well as socially and am one that
can vouch for his love of mentoring and a zest for life.

I know he has a special committee waiting for him to chair in heaven. I'll bet he's up for the challenge.

E.f Jamin

August 15, 2011

We have lost a great friend. The world has lost a wonderful humanitarian and human being. Ed was a mensch.
Norma our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gene & Edi Jamin

August 15, 2011

Our condolences to the Stempler family. The GOOD DR. was so very efficient and kind to us when our son needed his arm repaired ( twice) We have followed his community involvement over the years and know that his many good deeds will continue due to his foresight, and inspiration.

Bob and Bonnie Riddell

Judy Tobin May

August 15, 2011

Dear Norma and Family:

I am still in shock of the news of Ed's passing. Ed has been so instrumental in the success of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. He served on the Board of Trustees for over 15 years - long before we ever made our first match. Ed served in many capacities while on the Board from organizing the very first fundraiser, to 3 terms as President, Chairman of the Golf Committee, Board Development Committee, etc.

Ed was the best "networker" that I have ever met. He shared his passion for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert with everyone he met. He would walk into my office and give me stacks of business cards he had collected from new acquaintances. These cards turned into donors, volunteer Bigs and Board members.

We all know what a great fundraiser he was. People couldn't say "no" to him. He never stopped working for the children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. BBBSD would not be where it is today if it wasn't for Dr. Ed Stempler.

I will truly miss this man who was so kind and thoughtful. He was a loving and caring father and grandfather. He was so proud of his children and especially his two grandchildren. Besides being a great doctor, he was passionate about his involvement with his food and wine groups, Palm Desert Rotary Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. He will truly be missed not only by me & Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert but the many people whose lives he touched. Ed Stempler was one-of-a-kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Jean Louis Jalouneix

August 15, 2011

From Jean Louis Jalouneix, former Executive Chef at Wally's Desert Turtle Restaurant 1978 - 2005. I had the pleasure to know and work with Dr. Stempler on many private gourmet affairs and functions over many years at the restaurant. I am very sorry about his passing as he was a great man, with a good sense of humor and a true "foodie." I will be remembering him fondly and with great respect. My sympathies to your Norma and the family. Heartfelt condolences from Jean Louis and wife, Gina Sullivan Jalouneix. Rancho Mirage, CA

August 15, 2011

Dear Norma and Family,

We just received word that Ed had passed from this life.
Above all, Ed was a loving husband and a good father---a man always full of happy wishes and kindness to everyone.
May he rest in peace, and may the depth of your sorrow be lightened by the wonderful memories of Ed.

Phil and Jeannette Dreisbach

jerry lewis

August 15, 2011

my condolences to the family of dr. ed. we worked together for many big brother big sister golf tournaments. he was a fine man.always a pleasure to be around.

Mindy Leff-Arunasalam

August 14, 2011

Dear Mrs. Stempler, Robert, Helene and families,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of Dr. Stempler's passing. My children and I were planning to come visit after hearing from MaryPat Jenkins that he wanted to see us. I don't know where to begin. I first met Dr. Stempler as a very sick child in New York. There was no surgeon in my town who could help me so my parents took me into NYC to see Dr. Stempler. I was afraid at first, but he was kind, reassuring and gentle. He knew exactly how to help me and with G-d's help he saved my life. But his skill was not limited to medicine. He knew how to connect with me each day during my long stay in the hospital. He knew how to speak to my parents to calm them. He knew how to encourage me after my discharge to continue with recovery. He knew how to coach me to stay in touch with all the nurses who become my friends and he took care of me for a very long time. Shortly after, Dr. Stempler attended my Bas Mitzvah. I still have and cherish the necklace from Lord and Taylor that Dr. and Mrs. Stempler gave me. It was special because it was from them. Time went on and I married. Dr. and Mrs. Stempler attended my wedding. Over the years, we sent holiday cards almost annually. Just a few years ago, Dr. and Mrs. Stempler attended my own daughter's Bas MItzvah. Our relationship spans almost 40 years. I am deeply saddened by this tremendous loss, and am ever so grateful to have known such a kind, caring, intelligent,and sincere human being. I am certain Dr. Stempler is in the highest place in Heaven, basking in the glow of G-d and looking down and watching all of us-especially his family. May you know that Dr. Stempler is never far away and that he is very much alive and happy in another world, and may you be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
With much love,
Mindy Leff-Arunasalam and family

August 14, 2011

Dear Norma, I was so shocked to learn of the passing of your husband. Please know you have my heartfelt sympathy.

Renee Glickman

Rand & Pat Hutchinson

August 14, 2011

Dear Norma & Family,
It is truly a great sorrow to learn of Ed's passing. He was very compassionate
and visable in our community in all things, and is extremely missed by all.
Our condolences are heartfelt.

Linda Hardie

August 14, 2011

I, too, was stunned to read of Dr. Stempler's passing.
He was a special kind of doctor and I will miss my occasional visits with him.
My heartfelt condolences to you, Norma.

August 14, 2011

Dear Norma and family
We were shocked to read about Ed's passing. He was a fun caring person and will be missed by all who had the privilage of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Shirley & Bill Nye

terri harris

August 14, 2011

Norma and family,
we are so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. Ed was and will always be remembered for his kindness, compassion and zest of food and life. our thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time.
love,
ken & terri harris

Ms. Linda Starr

August 14, 2011

Dear Norma and family:

I was shocked to read recently that Ed passed away. He was a fine man, doctor, friend and so much more. I was glad to work with him for a few years with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. He always had a wonderful smile on his face. I am truly sorry for your loss as well as our loss for those that knew him in the Coachella Valley for so long.

My best to all always,

Linda Starr

Karen and Larry Berkowitz

August 14, 2011

Norma and Family,
We are very sorry for the loss of Ed. He was a special man. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy.

Donna Curran

August 13, 2011

I was shocked to learn of Dr. Stempler's death. I just saw him with Norma recently at Dr. DeCrinis' Celebration of Life. I knew him as a doctor and a fellow foodie and we attended many gourmet events over the years. He was a fellow judge at the Palm Springs Life Concierge of the Year Awards for years as well. I will miss his smiling face and I extend my deepest sympathy to Norma and his family. RIP

Cadence Communications

August 13, 2011

Edwin Stempler was a kind, compassionate person. He is greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great sorrow. May he rest in peace.

Randall Stempler

August 13, 2011

He was a wonderful uncle and a great friend. I miss him much. Randall

August 13, 2011

WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY
ED WAS A VERY SPECIAL AND CARING DOCTOR
AND FRIEND
NATALIE AND BUD HARRIS

Larry Galuppo

August 13, 2011

I will always remember Doctor Stempler for the kindness, wisdom and guidance he gave me as a Big Brother.

He is in my daily prayers.

Larry Galuppo

August 13, 2011

I am sorry for the loss to you and your family.
Eddie Arthen
Arthen Plumbing

joanne summa

August 13, 2011

Norma

Joe Stafford

August 13, 2011

My condolences to the family. I was a patient for a short time with Dr. Stempler. He was very kind and caring. He was an excellent doctor and a very nice man.

Mary Ellen Schmitt

August 13, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss to your family and the community. Ed was always so pleasant and a joy to be around. Mary Ellen Schmitt

Karen & Danny Hack

August 13, 2011

Norma:

I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Stempler. Our condolences to you and your family. He was a wonderful, caring man and will be truly missed by everyone he has helped.

Marie Angrisani

August 13, 2011

Dear Norma,

I was so sorry to hear about Dr. Stempler. MY thoughts are with you.

Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results

Make a Donation
in Edwin Stempler's name

Memorial Events
for Edwin Stempler

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 Edwin's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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 Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

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
How to Write an Obituary

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

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
Ways to honor Edwin Stempler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

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

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

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

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