Gordon "John" Stegkemper

Gordon "John" Stegkemper, age 66, of Madison, Ohio, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2016 at UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie, PA. He was born September 9, 1949 in East Cleveland to Gordon Augustus and Genevieve (Barrer) Stegkemper. He married Diane Marie Purkis on May 9, 1973. John graduated from Perry High School in 1969. He served as Staff Sargent in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1978. He worked as a maintenance electrician at Allied Electric for 27 years. He loved his pets. He enjoyed photography, he was always ready to take photos at all the family and work events. In his younger years he enjoyed woodworking, especially building furniture and collecting model trains. John was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and loved traveling the country on his motorcycle. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diane; brother, Wayne Collins of Alaska; cousins, Pat and Mike Veltri, Pauline Waskiewicz; brother-in-law, Jerry (Debra) Purkis; nieces, Julie and Dawn who are also his godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Wanda. Friends will be received 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison, Ohio with a Funeral Service including military honors being held at 4:00 p.m. the same day. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the USO, Department WS, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com