Lee Stemple

STEMPLE, LEE Age 78 December 9, 2023. Proud father, grandfather and businessman passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his cherished family. Leroy was born February 17,1945 to Benny and Sophie (Palinski) Stemple in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from St. Ladislaus Catholic School in Hamtramck in 1963 and went on to work at Drake Enterprises, the manufacturing company founded by his father. He and his brother Richard took over the shop in the late 80’s, soaring the family business to new heights by providing gear shift levers for all of North America. Proud father of three beautiful children with his former spouse Lisa Stemple; Tara (Cory) Bainbridge, Heather (Paul) Dombrowski and Nathan (Chelsea) Stemple. Beloved grandfather of Isla, Sophie and Charleigh Bainbridge; Ever, Rhys and Asher Dombrowski; Sonny, Beatrice and Perry Stemple. He was preceded in death by his mother Sophie, father Benny and brother Richard. He remained an integral part of Drake Enterprises even after passing the torch to his son Nathan in 2017. Whether it be getting his hands dirty on the floor troubleshooting a machine issue, passing out Paczkis on Fat Tuesday, or making tough decisions in the board room, Lee enjoyed continuing to be involved in the day-to-day. Lee set out to not only provide a beautiful life for his family, but to create a legacy of self-sufficiency that could be passed on for many generations to come. Lee loved fishing, boating, golfing, going to the casino, polish dinners, and trips to Canada and the Upper Peninsula. He was an avid euchre and pinochle player who took no prisoners with his lifelong card partner, best friend and cousin, Bud Tatoris. He had an eye for design and landscaping, which was evident throughout his life and homes. He spent many hours curating one-of-a-kind collections, from sports memorabilia to Swarovski crystals. Direct and to the point, when Lee spoke, people listened. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye and spending time with them softened him in his later years. He will be forever missed by the many who loved him. The world is a little less bright tonight without him in it. Visitation Wednesday 3-8pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). Funeral Thursday Instate 9:30am at St. Lawrence Church 44633 Utica Rd. (S. of M-59 Hall Road & W. of Van Dyke) until time of Mass at 10:00am. Donations are welcome to the Wounded Warrior Project. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Lee Stemple

February 17, 1945 - December 9, 2023