Jack V. Stegmeier

Jack Vincent Stegmeier, 97, was born on the north end of Grand Rapids, and passed away here January 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Irwin and Elsa Stegmier, and all of his dear siblings, Bob, Betty, Susie, and George, as well as a great many of his old friends. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Patricia (Palmatier) Stegmeier; children Georgia (Brad) Donovan, Jeff (Cindy) Stegmeier, Mary (Jim) Hefferan, John Stegmeier; grandchildren Joe Donovan, Nicole (Jason Griffith) Stegmeier, Stephanie (Osama) Al-Haymi, McKenzie (Adam) Weber, Casey Hefferan, Rocket Hefferan (Shelby Freeman); and two great-grandchildren Zayn and Zoey, plus the many nieces and nephews in our family.

He also leaves his longtime friend Don Hall, and his good buddies from Mason Street Garage. Besides people, there are the woods, lakes, and land which he treasured. He would always say, “They aren’t making any more of it.“

Born in 1925 Jack grew up during the Great Depression, played outside, learned resourcefulness, and spent good times with his grandparents and his gang of friends. He loved dogs. At age 13 he bought a paper route and saved enough money to buy a model-T Ford when he was 16. He still has the Ford. He attended Fairmount Elementary and Creston High School.

WWII had to be fought, so off he went, horrible though it was, marching in General Patton’s army. In the end he was stationed with the army of occupation in Germany, where he made lifelong friends.

Upon his return, Jack attended Grand Rapids Jr. College and studied engineering at the University of Michigan. After graduating, he sought a job at the Metal Office Furniture Company, now called Steelcase. He had the good fortune to be hired in 1950 by Walter Idema, and was their first employee with a degree in engineering. It was a good place to work back then. Eventually he rose to be Senior Vice President of Operations. It was said that he had the ability to be tough and demanding, while kind and compassionate at the same time. He would say, “Give a guy a break whenever you can.“

Jack married Pat in 1952, and they took a honeymoon to the UP, with a trip on the Milwaukee clipper. In 1957 they moved out to the “country” near Knapp and the East Beltline. They bought 20 acres and built a home. They loved it so much they never moved.

They also enjoyed camping, a cottage up north, family vacations to national parks, and trips to Sanibel Island.

Jack unwound in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and tromping around. He taught the love of nature to all of his kids. He planted over 15,000 trees. He had respect for all wildlife, and knew the answers to many questions. We followed many tracks with him.

Of all his interests he excelled the most at being a husband, dad, and grandpa. He regaled the kids with tales of his childhood mischief, in which his parents never seemed to be home.

Jack loved to stay busy with projects and fun times with grandkids. He had a few antique cars and loved taking grandkids on rides in the country, for donuts.

He and Pat enjoyed the fellowship of their Second Congregational Church community.

The family appreciates all of the very kind helpers who have been with us.

Jack’s span of life was good, and he made it better for many. Please join us for visitation on Friday, February 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 4th at 12:00 p.m. at Second Congregational Church, with visiting one hour prior.

For donations in Jack’s memory, please consider West Michigan Land Conservancy.