Joseph Woodrow Stember, 96, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2011, at Clarkson Health Care Facility in Rapid City, SD. He was born in Aberdeen on September 5, 1915, to Joseph A. and Martha (Steensland) Stember. At the age of five Joe moved with his family to Sioux Falls where he graduated from Washington High School in 1933. After receiving his baccalaureate degree from Augustana College in 1937, he taught high school in Hazel before assuming positions with the South Dakota Employment Service in Aberdeen, Watertown, and Sioux Falls. He married his college sweetheart Evelyn Oyan on January 12, 1941, and together they were blessed with two sons and two daughters. Joe served his country with distinction during World War II. After being inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Snelling, MN, he completed Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, OK, graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served as a forward observer with his Armored Field Artillery division as they completed missions across Europe. After several months in the European Theater, he received a battle promotion to 1st Lieutenant. He was awarded the Bronze Star Award for his meritorious combat service for military operations in Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany. His division received the Presidential Citation for combat operations in the European Theater, and his unit was decorated with the Belgian Fourrogere for action in Belgium and action in the Battle of the Bulge/Ardennes. Following his military discharge, he was a training officer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Sioux Falls where he assisted other returning war veterans with educational and job opportunities. He subsequently was employed with A. Y. McDonald Manufacturing in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. However, he found his calling at Northwest Pipe Fittings, dedicating nearly 20 years of his life to this wholesale plumbing and heating firm. After retiring in 1981, he loved spending more time with friends and family, traveling, and gardening. He was actively involved with Trinity Lutheran Church, Rapid City Lions, Golden K Kiwanis, and Canyon Lake Senior Citizens. He was often Treasurer for more than one organization at a time. He was a charter member of the Sons of Norway where he and Evelyn enjoyed preparing Norwegian foods, dancing, and keeping this ethnic spirit alive. He is survived by children Ron (Marilyn) of Denver, CO; Larry (Susan) of Bemidji, MN; Sandi (Dave) Ohlen, and Melanie (Chuck) Paulson, both of Rapid City. Also surviving him are eight grandchildren Mariah Ortiz, Sevve and Brynn Stember, Matthew, Brian, and Sarah Ohlen, and Julia and Luke Paulson. Preceding him in death were his wife, Evelyn, one brother, Voyle, two sisters, Wava and Ferne, and an infant grandson, Mark Ohlen. A man of remarkable integrity, warmth, and humor, Joe blessed the many lives that he touched. He will be greatly missed by many friends and family. The family would like to graciously thank West Hills Assisted Living and Clarkson Health Care for their exemplary care and compassion. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and South Dakota National Guard. A memorial has been established.