Jerome Francis "Jerry" Stiefvater, 96, died peacefully at home with his family beside him on June 8, 2022, a few days short of his 97 ^th birthday.  He was a Springfield native and a lifelong resident.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Marie Stiefvater, and his wife, Janet Newton Stiefvater.  He is survived by four children: Dick, Kris Stock, Kurt (Linda), and Jeff, as well as five grandchildren: Nikki (Jim) Soda, Ryan Stock, Megan (Logan) Kornegay, Darin (Allison) Stiefvater, Reed Stiefvater; and also 6 much loved great-grandchildren.

With a love affair that began in the late 1940s and spanned 6 decades, Jerry and his wife Janet were quite a pair together.  Family was important to Jerry and he always loved family times for gathering, sharing stories & meals, and adventures together.  He enjoyed boating, beach vacations, and exploring new places with family.  He and Janet embraced gospel-level hospitality -- opening their home to exchange students, refugees, and troubled youths in need of a safe stable temporary home.  Jerry led his family by example – with kindness, compassion, generosity, much humor, and love.

After he completed his service in the Navy in WW II, Jerry earned a degree in architectural engineering from the Jesuit-led University of Detroit, worked for the DeWitt & Assoc. Construction company for 50 years, served as company president and board chair for many years, and was instrumental in building many Springfield area projects.  His engineering background led to Jerry being sought after and serving the community on educational, church-affiliated, and corporate boards.

Deriving great satisfaction from his 50-year membership in the SE Springfield Rotary Club, Jerry strived to live the motto Service Above Self , as he loved being a part of Rotary's humanitarian works and fellowship.  He served as Chapter President and District Governor.  Rotary offered him opportunities for worldwide travel and he especially enjoyed befriending fellow Rotarians in Australia, Africa, and Europe.  Jerry also served for many years as a mentor for young businessmen through the SCORE organization.

An avid sportsman and fan, Jerry enjoyed golf, fishing, and quail hunting.  He especially loved watching his kids and grandkids compete in sports.  The Men's and Lady Bears college basketball teams and his lifelong love of Cardinals baseball offered him decades of entertainment.  A competitive poker and bridge player, he enjoyed many a game -- with fellowship and laughs, but kept a very close eye on the cards.  Jerry's signature contribution was his fruit-filled dump cake that he often brought in for his buddies to enjoy.

Jerry's Christian faith was of paramount importance for him.  A very active member of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Catholic Diocese, he and Janet participated in Catholic fraternal, spiritual, and service groups.  The Kitchen was also a favorite organization they supported over the years.  His profound sense of gratitude was a big part of his prayer/spiritual life.  He viewed his life through a lens of abundance, as he made it a daily practice to mindfully recall blessings.  This perspective manifested a strong sense of generosity, empathy, and caring.   He will be greatly missed by his extended family, friends, and those who benefitted from having known him.

Visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral home beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 followed by a brief prayer service.  As Jerry was always up for a good story, there will be an opportunity for sharing from anyone who would like to contribute a few remarks.  A funeral mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday, June 15 with burial at Resurrection Cemetery and afterward a luncheon in the church hall immediately following.