Ted Stemrich, age 99, of Nescopeck Township passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Born in Nuangola Station on March 21, 1927, he was one of 10 children born to the late Joseph A. and Anna (Stilp) Stemrich. He attended Stivers School in Nuangola. For work, Ted painted bridges on the railroad in upstate NY. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. He also worked in the coal mines for 4 years. He later started working as a carpenter for Urbanski Construction, and went on to open his own construction company, which he operated for many years before retiring.
In 1946, he met the love of his life, Leona V. Rumpilla and they dated for 4 years before getting married on April 10,1950. Together they raised 4 children and left a wonderful legacy for generations to follow. They were married for 74 years before Leona’s passing in 2024.
Ted loved traveling up and down the east coast with Leona, especially visiting Virginia Beach, camping in Florida, and Niagara Falls. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and fishing in Canada. Ted was the founder of Stemmrich Blueberry Farm where he diligently worked with his son to establish the business.
He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Karen Hammond and husband Ed, Wisconsin; Donna Booth, Mountain Top; Gerri Herron and husband Tom, Nescopeck Twp; and son, Charles J. J. Stemrich and wife Patty, Nescopeck Twp; grandchildren, Heather, Justin, Kelly, Brandon and Shane; 11 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, Gerald Stemrich and wife Pearl, Dorrance; brother-in-law, Rolland Hildebrand, Mountain Top; numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Leona, he was preceded in death by brothers, Charles, Joseph, John, William, and Leonard; sisters, Margaret Stemrich, Dorothy Roberts, and June McMullen.
A special thank you to his caretaker, Norma Pavilitz. Also, thank you to the palliative care team at Geisinger Danville who cared for him in his last days.
Ted’s life will be celebrated with love, honor, and fond memories at the convenience of his family. At his request, there will be no public services.
Heller Funeral Home LLC, Nescopeck is entrusted with her arrangements.
Online messages of comfort for his family may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com.