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Jerome Joseph Stefaniak
1941 - 2013
Jerome Joseph Stefaniak
1941 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1941
DIED
2013
Jerome Stefaniak Obituary
Jerome was born on August 16, 1941, to the late Stanley Francis and Lillian Mae (Winowiecki) Stefaniak in Traverse City, MI. He married Martha Sue Doll on May 20, 1967 at The Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
After graduating from St. Francis Catholic High School, he joined the military with his younger brother Donald and served during the Vietnam Era. As an army Specialist, he served with distinction in Germany and received the National Defense Service Medal and an Honorable Discharge.
When he returned from Germany he moved to Lansing MI, where he was awarded an associates degree in business and hotel and restaurant management at Lansing Community College. He then attended classes at Michigan State University pursuing a bachelors degree.
After landing his first professional position in the hotel industry he quickly advanced his career holding titles of Food and Beverage Manager, Front Office Manager, General Manager, and Regional Manager. The two were transferred to Lexington, KY; Houston, TX; Durham, NC; Spartanburg, SC; Tulsa, OK and back to Houston, TX, along the way they raised three beautiful children. Nina Suzanne born1970 in Lexington, Kentucky, Scott Gerrit born 1974 in Houston, Texas. Renee Michelle born 1976 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
When they moved to The Woodlands in 1988, he finally traded in his hotel career for something he was more passionate about, the Catholic Church. Jerome has worked for J. S. Paluch for 25 plus years as the South West Regional Advertising Sales Manager. J. S. Paluch is a family owned Catholic parish services and communications company working towards enriching the liturgical experience and faith life
Jerome was an active member in the Men's Club at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church where he loved "flipping pancakes" for everyone in the parish. Making sure that every parishioner was well fed.
Jerome was a loving and caring husband, father of three and grandfather of four. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family, whether it be skiing, fishing, or vacationing at the beach in South Carolina.
Jerome will be greatly missed by his wife Sue; daughters Nina (Woodrow) McLendon and Renee (Kendall) Warren, son Scott (Shawna) Stefaniak; his grandchildren Morgan Doll McLendon, Samyrah Nicole Stefaniak, Geritt Wayne Stefaniak, and Lillian Grace Warren; his three sisters Cecelia Weber, Carol Ance, and Mary Rokos; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Lillian Stefaniak and his three brothers; Stanley Jr., Robert, and Donald Stefaniak.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8pm, Thursday, December. 12, at Forest Park Funeral Home, with a Rosary service at 6:30 pm.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 13, at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands with Father Patrick Garrett officiating, assisted by Deacon John Charnisky. Music arrangements orchestrated by Rick Reed. Following there will be a Military Honor service, with Taps played by William Barker at 2:00 pm at Forest Park Funeral Home.
Our deepest appreciation from the family for Ana Favuzza and the entire staff of Forest Park in honoring with dignity and care our beloved Jerome Joseph. As well as Sts. Simon and Jude for all of your prayers support, and comfort.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pennie Rusch Lambert
March 9, 2014
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Jerome's family. I graduated with "Jerry" from St Francis and remember him just as his graduation picture is. Handsome, smart, quiet with a great sense of humor. I lost track of him over the years and pleased to see he had such a full life, with a wonderful family! My prayers to Jerry and his family. Pennie Rusch Lambert
Betty Plough
March 9, 2014
I graduated from St. Francis High School in Traverse City with Jerry. In fact, I think we went to school together for many years before that if my memory serves me correctly. I am so sorry for your loss. He passed way too young. Our 1961 class gets together once a month and I will be sure to let them all know of his passing. His senior picture in the gallery is how I remember him. He was a good looking dude and just as nice a guy.
Shannon Phelps
December 13, 2013
With tears, we say we are so sorry for your loss and our prayers and thoughts are with Sue, and their precious family. The 4 Phelps (Charlotte, NC)
Gina Troia
December 13, 2013
My deepest condolences to Jerry's wife, Sue, his children, grandchildren, family and friends.
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December 12, 2013
Jerome will be missed by all of the Members of the SSJ Men's Club, at our monthly Pancake Breakfasts and our special Hamburger and Pasta cooking events. May the Good Lord bless him and comfort his wife Sue and their family. We will miss him at our SSJ Men's Club events. Frank Doyle, Sec'y SSJ Men's Club
December 12, 2013
Jerome was a very active member of the Men's Club at St. Simon and Jude and always had a smile and warm greeting while serving our monthly Pancake Breakfasts at Church to the parishoners. May God Bless him and his Familly.
Doug Robicheaux (Spring, Tx)
December 12, 2013
Jenell (Niece)
December 12, 2013
Uncle Jerome- you will be missed! xoxoxo My mom always talked about how proud she is of you!!!!!
Mary (Stefaniak) Rokos
December 11, 2013
With every tear that has fallen these past few days reminds me of not just my brother but the man who was respected with humility pride and love for others and especially Sue and his beautiful family and them grandkids.When we see them and hear them we will be seeing you in their smiles and hearts for that is how you and Sue raised your family. I am so thankful I had time with you and talked with you on Thanksgiving. So for now, as we always ended our conversations when we called each other, you always said"I love you and bye bye now".
chrissy stefaniak
December 11, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Richard Vela
December 11, 2013
" Jerry worked at J.S Paluch with my mother. He was always very professional and his positive attitude made him great he always stayed very busy. He was a wonderful friend..."
Leonore Ance-Rynberg
December 10, 2013
My most recent memory of my Uncle Jerome was at Uncle Don's funeral in August.He hugged and kisssed me on the cheek twice that day. I will cheerish that memory forever.We didn't see each other very often. I smile when I think of how easy going he was. I remember the visits to T.C. in the summer and we'd all get together at the cottage's that you rented. We'd all go to the Cherry Festival and I remember the cherry jubliee. Aunt Sue just know I am thinking of you ,your kids and grandchildren. I am praying for you all.
December 10, 2013
Jerry was my mentor at JS Paluch several years ago. He was a great teacher; always very professional and his positive attitude made him great motivator. The company has lost one it's finest; one of it's hardest workers. My condolences to Mrs. Stefaniak, their children, grandchildren and other family and friends.
Anna Lemaire, Lafayette, LA
Nina McLendon
December 9, 2013
Dad, You are my rock, my home base, my ski buddy! You taught me how to be a better and more caring and loving person. Thank you for all of the fantastic memories. I am truly blessed to have been born into family. To laugh, grow and see the USA. You ensured we were always loved. Thank you for being my Dad! I love you so much!
Nina Stefaniak McLendon
RoseAnn Mendiola
December 9, 2013
Mrs. Stefaniak & Family,
Jerry was ever so dear to me during my 10 years of employment. He was not only a great manager, a wonderful friend, and the World's Greatest Boss!
I remember him so well, even when he attended my Dad's funeral service.
His office was always open to us, and was always ever so helpful.
Jerry was truly a Leader, never tiring, and also never thought of retiring.
During our last conversation, about 2 months ago, he commended me highy regarding my job performance
and we talked about me returning to
work.
I was shocked and completely saddened to hear about his passing.
He will be greatly missed!
Long Live the spirit of Jerry Stefaniak!
J.S. Paluch has lost it's best!
Bruce Cloud
December 9, 2013
Susan and family. Jerry was my manager, my mentor and became my friend who shared many a conversation about our faith. I wrote the following inspired poem upon my Father's passing and I hope it is consoling to you as it is for me.
On the New Life We Live For
Passing on …
Not leaving behind,
But, going forward
To new horizons
Lead by Faith
In beliefs
That stood up to our time here …
Which fills our Soul for the journey ahead
With knowledge that we can trust
That Truth harbors no lies
It kindles perfect honesty
Freeing our blessed Spirit
To finally become who we were created to be.
Bruce Cloud, Jr. 070314
JS Paluch, San Antonio-North
Lori Stefniak-Davenport
December 8, 2013
Uncle Jerome your were my favorite uncle. You are going to be dearly missed and it makes me feel happy to know you are back together with my dad. I love and will miss you. Gone but never forgotten. Lori and family
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18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384
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