Obituary of Anthony Stemen

Anthony "Tony" Joseph Stemen September 10, 1959 - October 17, 2010 Anthony Joseph Stemen was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 10, 1959. He was one of five children born from the union of the late Jerry Stemen and Myrna (Lau) Stemen. Tony attended New Boston schools and graduated from their high school with the Class of 1977. Tony had worked in the restaurant business for most of his adult life. He enjoyed serving others as a cook. In May of 2004, Tony was involved in a serious auto accident and lost the use of his right arm and part of his right leg. His stay in the hospital lasted several months. Tony took no pity, and worked extra hard and made a miraculous recovery although he was forced to take a medical retirement due to his injuries. Throughout it all Tony maintained his signature positive, upbeat attitude. Tony met the love of his life the former Anita Raines. They were joined in holy matrimony on May 15, 2006 in Toledo, Ohio. Tony enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and especially loved boating, camping, fishing, and gardening. He could often be found riding his three wheel bike to get around. Tony was especially fond of his grandchildren. Despite his personal struggles Tony was always a bright light to others. Anthony "Tony" Joseph Stemen age 51 of Newport passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 17, 2010. His passing was preceded by his father in November of 1985 and his grandparents. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife: Anita of Newport; his mother and stepfather: Myrna (Farrell) Richardson of Taylor; three stepdaughters: Jennifer (Derek) Ball of Lincoln Park, Jessica (Chris) Taylor of Huron Township, Julie Kendall of Brownstown Township; two sisters: Dawn (Chuck) Daroci of Flat Rock and Michelle (Martin) Spicer of New Boston; two brothers: Dale (Barbara) Stemen of New Boston and Tracy (Janet) Stemen of Livonia; four grandsons: Jacob, Aiden, Nolan, and Nathan, and a fifth grandson on the way: Lucas. Friends may gather from 4:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 8:00pm, Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Brian S. Merkle will officiate. Memorial donations for those who desire are suggested to the family.