Eugene Vincent Stemp

July 12, 1932 - August 14, 2016

A well-known Puyallup/Tacoma man, and self-appointed Mayor of Riverside, Gene Stemp, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home Sunday at the young age of 84.

He was proud to have been born, raised and have lived his entire life on the same family property in the Puyallup Valley. A devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Gene was one of six children born to Walter and Elizabeth Stemp.

After graduating from Puyallup High School, where Gene was active in sports, including football and baseball, he joined the National Guard. After enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou, was promoted to Sergeant, came home a hero to his family and became a man with a plan. He started Gene Stemp Construction where his motto was “Builder of Better Homes” - and he stood by his word. Gene custom-built hundreds of homes and was a well-respected businessman in the Puyallup area. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge, the Polish National Alliance and St. Peter & Paul Polish Catholic Church. Gene and Betty Lou were University of Washington Football season ticket holders for over 50 years and never missed a Husky game.

He is survived by Betty Lou, his wife of nearly 64 years; his five children, Cindy Thompson, Diana (Rob) Schrader, Gene Jr. (Lee) Stemp, Randy Stemp and Annette (Jeff) Johnston; 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and 5 former daughter and son-in-laws (once a Stemp, always a Stemp). He also leaves behind his sisters, Leona Caldwell and Marlene Allison, and sister-in-law Rosie (Boush) Johnson. Oh, and he is also survived his best friend, Walter the cat.

We will miss Gene’s inspiring example, but are consoled by the fact that he lived a long and satisfying life. He lived his life by the rule “Work hard, play hard”. He was a fabulous cook who kept the tradition of Polish food alive for family events and church functions.

There will be:

• A Visitation at Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup from 4:00pm -7:00pm, Thursday August 18th, 2016

• A Rosary at Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup at 7:00pm, Thursday August 18th, 2016;

• A Funeral Mass Friday, August 19th at 11:00am at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Tacoma. He will then be entombed at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma.