Stempek, Donald R. Jr., age 59, passed away February 10, 2017 in Detroit. Donald was born on November 3, 1957 to Marjorie and the late Donald R. Stempek Sr. in Bay City, Michigan. He graduated from Pinconning High School and afterward moved downstate to pursue work as a glazier. Over the years, Donald worked as a glazier union foreman, became very active in the Glass Workers Local Union, and began to enjoy the retirement lifestyle at 50 years old. Some might say that he earned it, being that he never called in sick a single day in his working career.

Above all things, Donald loved his family. In October of 1978, at 20 years old he married, Kathleen (a mere 17 years old, herself). Together they shared an unparalleled love for over 38 years. Donald's children and grandchildren were the center of his universe and he loved them unconditionally. There was something profoundly meaningful in his relationship with each of his children. They altogether completed him, each in their own unique way.

Although Donald was sometimes a man of few words, he was a kind and gentle soul through and through. You could always expect a call from him on your birthday or an, "I love you" at the end of a conversation. He was a generous man, too. If you needed anything, Donald would find a way for your need to be met, be it a quick BuyItNow purchase from Ebay or an emergency vet visit to save a terminal family pet. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and just about anything outdoors, including bird watching. Many will distinctly remember Donald for his daily rituals that included many, many cups of Columbian coffee paired with toast and the one-of-a-kind St. Laurent peanut butter.

Over the past year and a half, Donald and his family have experienced a series of obstacles and miracles. After the emergency removal of his small intestine, Donald was faced with a bleak prognosis and was placed on the organ transplant list. For eight grueling months he resolutely subsisted on intravenous nutrition under the skillful care of many kind hospital staff. In May 2016, the Stempek family received news that a miracle donor's stomach, pancreas, small intestine, and liver were matched for Don. He underwent over 15 hours of surgery and, as a result, gained a precious eight months thanks to the care of the Henry Ford Hospital transplant unit staff. Donald began to thrive, advanced in his physical therapy, and was thankful for every new day. Although Donald fought a courageous battle over the last year and a half, complications due to multiple infections took him away from us too soon.

Beloved husband of Kathleen; loving father of Christopher (Kimberly), Jessica (Robert) Roesner, and Rebecca (Adam Koerber) Stempek; proud grandfather of Hunter and Lucas Roesner and future grandson; dear brother to Kendall, Randall Sr. (Leslie), Lawrence, and Renee (Dean) Rabish; uncle to several nieces and nephews.

The entire Stempek family wishes to acknowledge and thank their friends, caregivers, and faith community for their continuous prayers and abundance of support over the past year and a half. The support, seen and unseen, have been the greatest blessing.

Visitation, Monday, February 13, from 2:00 until 9:00 pm with a 7:30 pm rosary at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River, Novi (248) 348-1800. In state Tuesday, February 14, at 11:00 am with funeral Liturgy at 11:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 S Lafayette St, South Lyon. Entombment at Washtenog Memorial Park, Ann Arbor Charter Township.

Memorial donations to Don's Medical Funraiser click here to contribute or Gift of Life click here to contribute are appreciated.

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