Steve Stempkowski

He is survived by Jamii (Woolsey) Stempkowski, his wife of more than 35 years; daughter Bridget Stephens (husband Tyler); grandson Jackson Stephens; sister Sheryl (Brandenburg) Dorman; brother Allen Thompson; step brother Joe Thompson; nieces Malissa (Toles) Stinson and Kalyn (Toles) Martin; nephew Joshua Abner (wife Sarah “Kat”) and other loved ones.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Victor Stempkowski, mother Barbara (Vermillion) Thompson, stepfather Bobby Thompson, and brother Walker David Brandenburg.

Stephen Stempkowski was born August 15, 1967 in Louisville. A tool and die maker by trade, Steve worked more than 30 years for Cardinal Manufacturing. He took pride in a job well done, whether in his work or in a project around the house, though family joked Steve was equally hard-headed as he was hard-working.

Steve took no greater pride though than in his roles as father to Bridget and later as Pop-Pop to grandson Jackson. His daughter was his purest love and her son brought out Steve’s clearest displays of joy. While his 50s were not his easiest years, the birth of and time spent alongside his grandson transformed recent times into a golden age. Fifty years separated them but a close-knit time of baseball, football practices and video games in Steve’s final year led to them truly being the other’s best friend.

A vocal UK Wildcats fan though a generally quiet man, Steve’s silly side began to show once he got to know you. He would create songs or joking rhymes and nicknames for family members, whether human or pet. This pointed to his love of music. You might catch him playing air drums or air guitar, a skill he gladly instilled in Jackson. As a teenager, no band could top Van Halen in his mind. Other ‘80s hair bands and later heavy metal groups like Slipknot were among his favorites, but he was an open appreciator of many genres. This even extended to country artists when he was with Bridget, one of many sacrifices he made for his daughter.

Our days ahead will rock a little less hard now without Steve to share in the music of life.

Details of a private celebration of Steve’s life are pending.