Ken 'Jas' Stempien, age 91. Loving and caring husband of Phyllis for 62 years. Proud father of Paula (Mark) Klozik, Kathy (Andy) Hermann, Mary Ann (Paul) Brefka, Nancy (John) Jason, and Kenny (Jenny). Grandpa of 16 and loving Papa of 10. Brother of Irene (the late Leo) Mondro, Ron (Cindy), Arthur (Theresa), Chris (the late Ray) Syjut, and the late Bob (Hazel) and Virginia.

Ken was an Air Force Veteran and member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans.  After his military service he worked as a Sheet Metal Worker and would proudly point out the signs he made, his most famous one on 1-75 near Flint. After retirement he became the biggest cheerleader for his all of his grandchildren's events.  Ken was also the official family pierogi dough maker. His recipe is famous  (2+2+2) and over the past 24 years, has made the dough for over 26,000 pierogi.

From a young boy, Ken fell in love with baseball and the Tigers.  He was lucky enough to see a few Opening Day and World Series games but was happiest going to Comerica Park to watch a game, any day of the summer.

But Ken loved his family the most. He says the reason he lived so long was because of Phyllis.  His "tribe" were the lights of his life and he loved them deeply.

Visitation Thursday 3 pm – 8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. In state Friday, 9:30 am until the 10 am Funeral Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Garden City. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.