Cletus H. Stempel, 82, of New Baden, died Friday, July 30, 2010 at St. Joseph Hospital in Highland. He was born February 1, 1928 in New Baden, son of Leo and Josephine (Kuper) Stempel. He married Fran Netemeyer on June 20, 1956 in New Baden and she survives in New Baden.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Brian Stempel of New Baden; two grandchildren, Tim (Dorri) Stempel and Kari (special friend, David Meyer) Stempel, all of Trenton; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Maurice Brokering, Jane & Don Fuhler, Vernon Netemeyer, and Glennon J. "Shorty" & Barbara Netemeyer, all of New Baden.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Lance Alan Stempel; a brother, Richard H. Stempel; a sister, Dolores Brokering; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George M. & Elsie (Wobbe) Netemeyer.

Mr. Stempel worked for IDOT for 37 years and retired December 1, 1990. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean War. He was a member of St. George Parish, a life member of the American Legion Post 321of New Baden, and a former member of the New Baden Fire Department.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at St. George Church in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Neff officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, August 2, 2010 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. There will be a prayer service at 4 p.m., the American Legion will visit at 7 p.m. followed by the fire department at 7:15 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 321 Building Fund and will be received at the funeral home.