Jerry Joseph Stegge (1951-2013)

STEGGE, SEFCIK, ROBERTS, BEEKMAN, DENISON, JONES

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 1/27/2013 at 22:19:39

From Stevens Memorial Chapel obituary, Ames, Story County, Iowa:

Jerry Joseph Stegge
July 25, 1951 - January 1, 2013

Jerry Joseph Stegge was promoted to eternity January 1, 2013. He was the fourth of five children born to Lawrence and Lillian (Sefcik) Stegge on July 25, 1951, in Fort Dodge, IA. Jerry graduated from Pocahontas High School with the class of 1969 and attended Iowa State University to pursue undergraduate and master's degrees in electrical engineering. While at Iowa State he met his future wife, Constance Roberts.

He enlisted in the United States Army in November 1971 and served his country in the 559th and 560th Military Police Company Honor Guard at Fort Monroe, VA. In March 1973 the colors for the 560th MP Company were returned from Vietnam to Fort Monroe, VA. The 559th MP Company was re-designated as the 560th Military Police Company and provided honor guard ceremonies for VIPs and dignitaries visiting Headquarters CONARC. The 560th Company also performed a Law Enforcement Mission and supplied Fort Monroe with MP Duty Officers, MP Desk Sergeants, MP Patrol Supervisors, Military Police Investigators, Traffic Section, AWOL Apprehension Section, Vehicle Registration Officers and both walking and motorized MP Patrol for post and Gate Guards for the main Entrance to Fort Monroe in support of the Post Provost Marshal and First U.S. Army Provost Marshal Law Enforcement Mission, "OF THE TROOPS AND FOR THE TROOPS."

On June 10, 1972, Jerry and Constance Roberts were married in Davenport, Iowa. The couple lived briefly in the Commonwealth of Virginia before returning to Ames and Iowa State where Jerry continued his education. He completed his BSEE degree and continued work in the EE master's program. He believed his greatest post-graduate honor was a happy marriage and becoming a father to his daughter and son.

Jerry was a loyal employee of General Filter/U.S. Filter/Northwest Water/Envirex/Venvendi/Siemens Corp. - working for six different company owners without relocating. He was an applications engineer, designing water treatment options for cities and companies worldwide. Jerry was a gifted problem solver; in December 2004, a United States Patent was granted for one of his filter inventions. His curiosity for how things work was challenged by his need to repurpose something discarded and apply it to new use. He was a kind, contented man possessing great patience. He fished for the solitude or to outwit the fish more than for the catch. Because he was solidly grounded in his Iowa farm boy roots, a favorite spot was his woods. He enjoyed growing things, researching new garden varieties, or reviving stressed plants brought to him. A good day was coaxing seeds and cuttings under grow lights until time to transplant them into his yard. He recently enjoyed brooding baby chicks for Fellows Elementary School show-and-tell. He strived to learn something new every day, often sharing his quiet wisdom (or whimsy) in special and quirky ways aligned with a wacky sense of humor and a pragmatic philosophy. Jerry's implementing of the "Santa box exchange" is a classic example of creativity gone berserk.

"Stegge" will be missed most by those who knew him best, including his wife of forty years, Connie; his "favorite daughter" Megan, and "favorite son" Adam; family members Rosann Stegge Beekman (Richard); Larry Stegge (Diane); Judy Stegge Denison (Bob); Terry Stegge (Nancy); Sherry Roberts Jones (Bruce); nine nephews, three nieces, and their children. Also missing Jerry will be the Nerd Friends, Book and Beer Club members, Pearl "Rockers," fellow (quiet) anglers, gardening experts, co-workers, hockey/cheer families of the '90s, and great neighbors who shared good works and quality patio time. His parents preceded him in death.

A memorial celebration will be held in Ames at Stevens Memorial Chapel, Sunday, January 6, at 3:00 p.m. Gifts may be directed to the family for contribution to Jerry's memorial established at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Fisheries).

http://www.stevensmemorialchapel.com/
 

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