Emma Jean Stambek

Emma Jean Stambek passed away on April 29, 2019. She was born on October 25, 1933 in Miamisburg, Ohio to Harvey and Evelyn Isbel-Ramey. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1951 and went on to County Normal at Western Michigan University for one year which led her to obtain teaching roles in local country schools. In 1971, Emma Jean entered into the private industry becoming general manager of Big Valley Cold Storage where she stayed in that position for 26 years. On August 1, 1952, she married the love of her life Bob Stambek at Holy Family Church in Decatur. Their marriage produced two sons, Stephen and Joel. Emma Jean was an active member in her community and church. She held various positions in the following organizations: Decatur Human Services, Decatur Optimist Club, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Decatur School Board- president, secretary and treasurer for several years, Holy Family Monday Night Quilters Group, Van Buren County Department of Human Services board and president of the Frozen Food Association. One of her major accomplishments was in 1993 when Emma Jean received an invite to form a choir and travel to Rome to sing the mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral when Pope John Paul II was delivering mass. With permission from the Diocese, the trip became a reality. Emma Jean’s second major accomplishment was in 1984 when she received a request from the State to take a position on a board to help bring Van Cass Cap to the Decatur township hall to form a Community Action Agency, which later led to the development of Decatur Human Services with her assistance. While so many individuals benefited from Emma Jean’s hard work and dedication, probably her greatest accomplishment and joy were her grandchildren with whom she shared her love of education, her big heart and her strong will. She is survived by her husband Bob Stambek of Decatur, her sons Stephen (Laura) Stambek of Marcellus, Joel (Suzie) Stambek of Decatur and her grandchildren Stephanie (Justun Munn) and Emily Stambek of Kalamazoo and T.J. and Matthew Stambek of Decatur. She was preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers, Harvey, Lauren and Richard Ramey and her grandson Nicholas Stambek. Memorial donations may be given to Decatur Human Services or the charity of the donor’s choice.