John Stemple

OTTUMWA — John Stemple, 59, of 919 Carroll, died Sept. 24, 2009, at his home.He was born July 9, 1950, in Fort Madison to William H. "Bill" and Irene Weckbach Stemple.A graduate of Ottumwa High School and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, he served 29 years with the Wapello County Sheriff's Department, retiring in July 2008.He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.John loved his pet dog, "Danny," a golden retriever. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, car racing and family gatherings and liked to target shoot and trap.Surviving is a sister, Judy Stevens of Bettendorf; a brother, Jim (Roxanne) Stemple of Donnellson; stepmother, Norma Stemple of Ottumwa; four stepbrothers, Clyde Prox of Calimesa, Calif., Donald (Linda) Prox and Jeff (Michelle) Prox, all of Ottumwa and Shawn (Lisa) Prox of Albuquerque, N.M.; nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.He was preceded in death by his parents.His body has been cremated.Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Monday at Reece Funeral Home with Father John Spiegel officiating. Inurnment will be in the Gethsemane Cemetery in Fort Madison.Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the family.Obituary may be viewed at www.legacy.com/ottumwacourier/Obituaries.asp