Harold Levene Stem

Harold Levene “Stemy” Stem, 71, of Westminster, Maryland, passed away quietly at his home and went to be with his Savior on February 13, 2018.  Born November 12, 1946, he was the son of the late Truman Leonard Stem and Margaret Beard Stem Hyde. 

He graduated from Westminster High School in 1964 and served in the United States Army from September 7, 1967 until May 15, 1969.  He entered combat duty on February 20, 1968 and was seriously wounded in action on April 25, 1968.  He was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.  He was honorably discharged and is a lifelong member of the VFW Post 467.   

Stemy was a humble man who cared for others and would help anyone in need.  He had an ornery sense of humor, a big smile, and a contagious laugh.  As the saying goes, he “never met a stranger”.  He was a machinist by trade but in later years owned a lawn mowing business.  He was proud of his work and enjoyed getting to know his customers.  This gentle man loved being a Pappy.  With his grandchildren he shared his joy of collecting Hess trucks and riding on John Deere tractors.  He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and could often be seen with his video camera at their special events and ball games.     

He is survived by his children:  daughter Sherri Lynn Markle and son-in-law Steve of Pickerington, OH, daughter Stacie Anne Leister and son-in-law Phil of Hampstead, MD, son Scott Alan Stem and daughter-in-law Andrea of Lancaster, OH, daughter Sindi Faith Eyler and son-in-law Jeff of Taneytown, MD, son Shane Adam Stem and fiance’ Lauren Sadler of Westminster, MD, and by his grandchildren:  Zachary Steven Markle (24)and wife Emily, Victoria Joy Frost (21)and husband Rex, Alexandra Grace Markle(17), Nicholas Steven Markle(9), Brittney Ashlynn Leister (19), Logan Anthony Leister(16), Addison Mikala Stem(13), Brayden Scott Stem(10), Weston Micah Stem(6), and Autumn Faith Eyler(12).  He is also survived by his brother, David W. Stem and sister-in-law Sue of New Oxford, PA, and sister-in-law Betty Leppo Stem of Westminster, MD, sister-in-law Betty Nusbaum Stem of Littlestown, PA, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by 3 brothers:  Truman Bernard Stem and Charles Edward Stem of Westminster, MD, and George Leroy Stem of Littlestown, PA. 

The children will be receiving friends and family on Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, 254 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with his son, Pastor Scott Stem, officiating.  His wishes for cremation will occur after the services and he will be honored by his children with a private burial ceremony.

For anyone wishing to remember him, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Carroll County Heroes Fund at www.carollcommunityfoundation.org or to the BrockStrong Foundation at www.brockstrongfoundation.com .   

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