Stephen Stempleski

Stephen Stempleski, 67, of Hanover Township, also known as ""Stemp"" to his close friends and family, entered into eternal life on Sept. 9, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at the Geisinger Hospice after his long battle with cancer.

Stephen was born in Korn Krest, a son of the late Kathryn Stempleski and Stanley Stempleski.

Stephen served in the U.S. Army for six years with the artillery division, during which time he also participated and served a tour of the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart for being wounded.

Returning from his service, he started his family, marrying his late wife, Marion, in 1972, with his son, Christopher Rodgers.

Stephen was employed by Penn Refrigeration for 35 years with the Sheet Metal Union and retired in 2011.

Stemp will be best remembered for his love for the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles. He looked forward to his yearly trips to the Phillies games with his son and grandchildren.

Stemp was a family man who loved spending time with his only son, Christopher, and his family.

Stemp also enjoyed playing golf, going to Mohegan Sun and playing poker games at home with his family.

He will be sadly missed by many.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Kovalchick Stempleski; and sister, Janice Grose.

Stephen is survived by his son, Christopher Rodgers, and his wife, Maureen Rodgers; grandsons, Darryl Rodgers, Justin Klein and Zachary Klein; niece, Wendy and John Kane and family; nephew, Donald and Debbie Grose and family; and his extended family, the Baggs family, the Brady family and the Rushton family.

Deacon Thaddeus Wadas will conduct blessing services at 7 p.m. today at Stanley S. Stegura Funeral Home Inc., 614 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke. Friends may call 5 p.m. until the time of services. Military honors will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.