Joseph Edward Stempien, 74

Joseph Edward Stempien, affectionately known as "Pop", 74, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2013 while camping with his family in Lenoir. A native of Pennsylvania and Florida, he had resided in Hendersonville for the past 40 years.

He was the son of the late John Joseph & Mary Fedor Stempien. Joe is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Walter J. Shelton, who raised him from the age of 9, with his wife Dolores. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and also served in the National Guard for 20 years. Joe was a member of Hendersonville First Baptist Church and Sid Jones' Sunday School class. He was also a member of American Legion Post 77 and VFW Post 5206, where he served two terms as Commander.
Joe was a painting contractor for 28 years retiring in 2001. Joe then spent the past 6 ½ years with Henderson County Public Schools retiring in March of this year. He spent many years as a youth football coach where he touched the lives of many young men and women. Joe had an outgoing personality and never met a stranger. He was known by everyone as someone who always told a good story, or joke. Joe lived life to the fullest and was always light-hearted. Joe had a deep love for all children and animals. He especially held his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren close to his heart along with his four-legged daughter Ginger. Joe was a giver and was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sheila; a son, Todd Stempien and his wife Tallie of Lincolnton, NC; a daughter, Tanya Jo Shook of Hendersonville; Grandchildren, Amberetta Jo Curd, Blake Curd, Keely Stempien, Joseph Konnor Stempien, and Kenna Stempien; two great-grandchildren, Branson, and Trenson; a sister, Dolores Stempien Shelton of Conyers, GA; a brother, John Joseph Stempien, Jr. and wife Susan, of Chambersburg, PA; an uncle, Michael Stepen; and several special nieces , nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 6, 2013 in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Hospital https://www.stjude.org/tributes or Blue Ridge Humane Society https://www.blueridgehumane.org/

A sympathy card and online register book is available by visiting www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family