Jacob F. Stearle Jr.

Stearle Jr., Jacob F. Joined his son Brian Stearle in Heaven on June 19, 2018 at age 89. Lovingly survived by his wife of 72 years Dolores "Lori" (nee Oettinger). Beloved father of Sharon (Alex) Pociask, Darryl (Carol) Stearle, Karen (Dave Levandoski) Poppe and James (the late Nancy) Stearle. Cherished grandpa of Kara, Dana (Phil), David (Carla), Jason (Danielle), Ryan (Keisha), Justin (Karie), Jenna and Brandon (Paulina). Proud GiGi-Pa of 13 great-grandchildren. Dear friend of Oma. He will be loved, remembered and missed by all who knew him. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, June 22, 2018 from 11 AM until the time of service at 1 PM. Entombment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association. Max A. Sass and Sons - Greenridge Chapel EULOGY - JACOB F. STEARLE JR. How can someones life be summarized and condensed into one brief speech? This is the question that I have been pondering now for days, and Im no closer to the answer now than I was when I began asking. The truth is that I dont believe its possible - especially not a life like the one we are celebrating here today. Jacob Frank Stearle was born on Monday, July 9th 1928 in Duluth, Minnesota. He was the first-born son in his family and would later be joined by Gerald, his younger brother. Though his name was Jacob, he went by the name Jack for most of his life, but to me he was always just Grandpa. There are three things that stand out to me most when I think of my grandpa; his relentless pursuit of knowledge, his loyalty, and his amazing sense of humor. KNOWLEDGE Even from an early age, grandpa never did anything half-way. At age 7, when Im sure many of his friends were just mastering tying their shoes, he was employed with his first paper route. Around age 13 he began keeping meticulous daily journals - a practice that he would maintain throughout his entire life. In High School he was editor in chief of the school newspaper, an accomplished chess player, a boy scout, a member of the National Honor Society, and even an athlete. In fact, last Friday he told my cousin Justin and all of us grandkids that we got our athletic ability from him! Grandpa graduated high school at the top of his class and was one of only a handful of students in the state of Wisconsin to receive an appointment to West Point Military Academy. The military would have to wait though, as Jack instead chose to pursue the higher calling of starting and raising a new family of his own. For Grandpa, the pursuit of knowledge and excellence in all that he did was a lifelong obsession. His career in sales with Prudential spanned more than 30 years, and he was most proud of obtaining his Charter Life Underwriters Degree from Marquette during his tenure. He taught himself to play the guitar and the mandolin. He taught himself photography - even going as far as to building his own darkroom so he could develop his own film. He owned more than a dozen dictionaries and had an extensive library of self-help books way before it was popular to do so. Even into his eighties he taught himself computers and social networking - proof that old dogs really can be taught new tricks. This level of constant self-improvement should be admired. A job worth doing is worth doing well was his mantra, and that expression has echoed through the generations. My father repeated it to me during my childhood more times than I can count, and I now find myself repeating it to my children. LOYALTY Loyalty is another one of Jacks traits that I most admired. Being loyal was not just something he did, it was who he was. Jack was a loyal employee to Prudential for more than 30 years, and he probably would have stayed even longer had their early-retirement option not been so attractive! Jack was loyal to the Ford Motor Company, he was loyal to martinis, and he was loyal to the city of Milwaukee. He cheered for the local sports teams and even served as an amateur tour guide with his extensive knowledge of the architectural and industrial history of the city. Saving the best for last, my grandpa was loyal to his family. Jack and Lori were married for a staggering almost 72 years. During that time they raised 5 children of their own, and together they have 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Lots of people talk about being loyal. Lots of people will tell you that their word is as good as gold. My grandpa was different though because he proved it through his actions. He didnt just demonstrate loyalty from time to time. He didnt just keep his word when it was convenient. He didnt just remain loyal to the big things. No, he was loyal to his core, in everything, for his entire life. SENSE OF HUMOR My favorite trait of my grandpa was his sense of humor. I cannot think of many times when he did not have a one liner, an anecdote, or a funny quip that was just right for any situation. It will probably come as no surprise to learn that comedy is something he studied! His library contained many books on the subject, and his favorite comedian was Johnny Carson. Grandpas sense of humor stayed with him right to the very end, and he could even be heard cracking jokes at movie night just a couple short weeks ago. I honestly believe that a sense of humor is the most important trait that a person can possess. My grandpa had the ability to always see the lighter side of things, and that happiness was contagious! His smile and general silliness lit up a room and he was no stranger to an audience. To call my grandpa one in a million would be a massive understatement - he was way, way more unique than that. Jack has left behind a legacy that our entire family can and should be very proud of. His entire life could be played back as a how-to manual for being the best possible version of yourself, and I am personally honored beyond words to have received my family name from someone who has set such a wonderful example. While the world is a darker place now that hes gone, so many lives were made brighter by having known him. Even though we are mourning this loss, it is my hope that everyone here will see today for what it really is; a celebration of a life well lived. Note: This Eulogy was graciously written and delivered by his grandson, Ryan A. Stearle on the occasion of his funeral service, June 22, 2018