Robert Stemac

Robert “Bubba” Stemac, age 71, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Friday September 9, 2016, at U.P. Health System in Marquette, with his loving family by his side. Bob was born September 15, 1944, in Escanaba, to the late Michael and Nora (Bryson) Stemac. He attended All Saints and graduated from Holy Name High School in 1963. Bob loved to play football. He was All Conference, All U.P., All State and “Lineman of the year” in 1963. He went on to play 2 years of college football at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. He was later the assistant football coach at Holy Name High School. Bob was a rough and tough player on the football field and a big teddy bear off of the field.
Bob was a very hard worker. At a young age, he started working in the woods, cutting firewood and pulp wood, with his father Michael and brother, Mickey. He enjoyed cutting in the woods and continued to do so for the majority of his life. Bob would often comment that when young people graduated high school, many would receive a vehicle, and he received a bucksaw and axe. Bob also worked for Eaton Corporation, in Gladstone, and later for the Laborer’s Union Local 1329 out of Iron Mountain.

On December 10, 1977, Bob was united in marriage to the former Cynthia “Cindy” LaLonde, in Gladstone. Together with his wife Cindy and his son Michael, the family owned and operated “Stemac’s Bayview Cabins”.

Bob was a lifetime member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Spending time in the woods and going to camp to spend quality time with his son, Michael, meant so much to him. Additionally, he was an avid Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wing, and Minnesota Viking fan. He was also a season ticket holder for NMU Hockey games for many years.

Bob never needed a whole lot to be happy. The simplest things made him a fun loving, happy and content person. Bob endured many health issues throughout the last couple years of his life. Through all the turmoil, he never complained and would say “Bring it on”. He kept a great attitude, often mentioning “When the good Lord wants me, He will take me”.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of more than 38 years, Cindy:
Son: Michael Stemac of Gladstone, MI
Daughter: Amy (Pat) Kemink of Escanaba, MI
Granddaughter: Samantha Kemink of Escanaba, MI Loving Sister: Judy Miller of Escanaba, MI Mother and Father in law: Alberta and Jim LaLonde of Gladstone, MI Special Brothers and Sisters in law: Debbie (Mark) Weber, Doug (Sue) LaLonde
and Sharon Wickman
Special Friends: John Bovin, Don Creten, and Gary “Sev” Severinsen He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Nora, Infant Son in 1978, Brother, Mickey, and Brother in law, Bob Miller.

The Stemac family would like to humbly thank all the fantastic professionals in the Intervention Radiology Department at U.P. Health System in Marquette. Also a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mehall and Dr. Ouimette, Nate, Melissa, Pat, Jeanne, Jessica, Amber, Kendall, Brad, Diana, Justin, Kevin, Bob, Katherine, and Amanda. Thank You to the I.C.U staff, Dr. Geschwindt, Dr. Grassnick, Dr. O’Conner, Dr. Gaston, nurses, Lyndsey, Katie, Kym and Dave. Additionally, thank you to Dr. Dupuis and Dr. Wallace.
Bob’s family will receive friends on Thursday September 15, 2016, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours on Thursday, at 5:30PM, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow mass in the All Saints Parish Hall. Bob will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.