Thomas Stembaugh Obituary
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Bill's life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, and the service will begin at 11:00 AM at Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 420 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079.
Memorial contributions may be given to United Christian Services, Paw Paw Annex Suite #1, 600 E. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079, or c/o the funeral home.
Thomas William "Bill" Stembaugh, age 94, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026. He was born on January 22, 1932, in Lawrence, Michigan, the only child of the late Thomas and Daisy (Taylor) Stembaugh.
After high school, Bill went on to serve his country in the United States Navy as a radio operator. After completing his bachelor's degree, life brought him back to Lawrence, where he ran the lumber company for his mother. He then secured his first insurance adjuster position and advanced to obtain his CPCU designation. He eventually became a founding partner at Michigan Claim Service, where he remained until his retirement. His work took him and his family to several communities throughout Michigan over the years.
Family was at the heart of Bill's life. On February 22, 1952, he married Doris (Rowley) Stembaugh, who passed on October 15, 2022. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. Bill enjoyed a full and active life, which included much travel, with winters in Florida and summers on the lake. He enjoyed swimming, golf, walking, reading, and never passed up a good card game. He valued time with friends and remained actively engaged with others in his later years at the White Oaks community in Lawton, Michigan.
A man of strong faith, Bill was a dedicated supporter of the United Methodist Church and gave his time in service, including helping to form Eleanor's Pantry in Paw Paw. His steady presence and commitment to both family and community will be deeply missed.
He is survived by four children, Janeen (Patrick) Barr of Bangor, Nadine (David) Aldrich of Paw Paw, Richard Stembaugh of Bangor, and Doreen (Richard) Petersen of Grand Haven; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.
