Dorothy Regina Stempniak

Dorothy Regina (Biagi) Stempniak, 80, of Fullerton, California, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2013. She was born February 4, 1933, and raised in Putnam County. Dorothy, the daughter of John and Margaret (Farnetti) Biagi, was the oldest of five children. Dorothy graduated from Hopkins Township High School in Granville in 1951, and graduated from nursing school at St. Francis' in Peoria in 1954. It was there that she met her husband, Henry Stempniak, a physical therapist from Chicago. They were married in June,1956, and moved to Anaheim, CA. Henry (Hank) passed away in 2005. They had 4 sons, Stephen of Laughlin , Nevada, (Bonnie Mose`, friend of Anaheim), Stewart (Debbie) of Fullerton, California. Sons: Stanley, and Scott are now deceased. Dorothy's nursing went on hold while she raised her 4 boys. Later, Dorothy earned her Real Estate license and worked for Coldwell Bankers for many years. While her children were growing up, she was their #1 fan, cheering as they competed in sports. Dorothy enjoyed bus trips and traveling on cruise ships with her family. She is survived by her two sons, Stephen, and Stewart, and three grandchildren, Ryan, Jessica, and Brianna. She is also survived by two sisters, Clare (Bill) Lorton of Springfield, and Mary (Denny) Roling of Mendota, and one brother, John (Dee) Biagi of Granville. One aunt, Rosemary Biagi of Hennepin and many cousins, nieces and nephews from all sides of the families. Dorothy had many friends in the Putnam County area, but none closer than her child-hood friend, Frances Weiss, "Toots." She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, and brother Fred. Dorothy had a beautiful Spirit; she believed in always looking on the bright side of what life threw her. She was a thoughtful wife, mother, sister and friend. Dorothy had stayed in close contact with her classmates of 1951. She will be sadly missed by all. In California, a Rosary was held at McAulay and Wallace Mortuary on Friday, March 1. The funeral mass/celebration of life was on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at St. Angela Merici Church, in Brea, CA.

Service/Memorial Information

A Mass, in celebration of Dorothy's life will be held in Granville, Illinois at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Granville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Granville. Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel of Granville, will be assisting the family with the arrangements.

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