Ishpeming- Gerald Julius Stampee, age 82 of 624 Duncan Ave. Ishpeming passed away peacefully Thursday February 4, 2016 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of Family close by his side.

Gerald was born March 26, 1933 in Ishpeming to John J. & Irene M. (Heikkila) Stampee. Jerry graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1951 and served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 until 1956.

In 1956 he met the love of his life, Barbara (Dushane) and on September 14, 1957 they were married in Marquette, eventually moving to Ishpeming where they raised their three boys. They were together for 59 years. Jerry raised his boys with firm guidance, letting them find their own ways in life, but Always there to offer guidance and help along the way. In 1959, Jerry began is career as an apprentice plumber and pipefitter and went on as one most recently for Local 111. His work took him to many States and away from home a lot, always returning home to his welcoming family. A lot of his work was also local right here in the U.P.

After "retiring" as a pipefitter, Jerry went to "work" again at the local Wawonowin Golf and Country Club as a maintenance man, caretaker, and repairman for 15 more years. NEVER one to sit still, Jerry continued to work until his health prevented him from doing so. When Jerry could no longer "go to work," he was devastated. Jerry was a hard worker his entire life, and when he had to finally "retire" this time, he tended to drive his wife a little "Coo-Coo" while trying to keep himself busy around the house. Besides, he'd never tell anyone that!

In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed Deer hunting, rides in the woods, and spending time at the old John Voelkers hunting camp south of Ishpeming with his sons, grandchildren, and close brother-in-law Robert Lawson.

Jerry loved to play cribbage with Barb on long winter afternoons, always being the "lucky" one and having a good laugh about that! While playing in Negaunee one time, he was lucky enough to get a "29" and won over $200 for it! Jerry enjoyed being outdoors in the summer meeting and chatting with his neighbors. Jerry had somewhat of a "green-thumb," planting small gardens and making hanging flower baskets for his wife Barb which she said were more beautiful than money could buy. Jerry was not a man of many hobbies, but was truly a "Jack-of-all-Trades" and could fix and repair anything, passing on this resourcefulness to his three boys ad grandkids. Jerry loved to spend his free time with his Family, always putting their needs before his own. Jerry would always help anyone in need even if they didn't ask, and was the type of man who would give the shirt of his own back if you needed it. Jerry never wanted to put "anyone out," as he would say to do things for him as he was very independent and thoughtful of everyone else.

In late years, Jerry enjoyed long afternoon walks in the woods at the Al Quall recreation area with his canine buddy Fraiser. The two of them were inseparable, often times seen riding about town together, both at the wheel! When his Grandchildren were young, they affectionately referred to him as "Pups." The name grew and stuck throughout the years, and that's what he was, "Our Pup's!" Jerry was a man very proud of his grandchildren and they meant the World to him.

Jerry was a very Kind, Loving, Generous Father, Husband and Grandfather, he is survived by his loving wife Barbara M. (nee Dushane) Stampee, his three sons: Gregory J. (Kathy), Jeffrey T. (Darlene), Mark D. (Kathy Maynard) all of Ishpeming, Four grandchildren: Jeffrey J. (fiancée Ashley Helstein) Ashley M., Alicia M. and Michael B., two sisters: Doreen (Robert) Lawson and Carolyn (Paul) Dodendorf and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Jerry was preceded in Heaven by his parents Irene and John, three brothers: an infant sibling Marvin, his eldest brother John "Sonny" Jr. and brother Douglas.

A Mass celebrating Jerry's life and Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00pm on Monday February 8, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming with Father Dan Moll as celebrant.

Jerry's family will greet relatives and friends at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Monday from 3:00pm until the time of service at 4:00pm.

Pallbearers will be Jerry's grandchildren.

Military Honors will be accorded by the U.P. Honors Team at the conclusion of the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations may be directed in his name to the St. Joseph Memorial, 1889 Prairie Avenue, Ishpeming, Michigan.

Jerry's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .