ELIZABETHVILLE • Michael F. Stakem Jr., 90, formerly of Williamstown, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 24 at the home of his daughter in Elizabethville. He was born in Williamstown, May 5, 1929, a son of the late Michael Sr. and Beulah Bitterman Stakem. Mick attended Williamstown Catholic High School. He was a World War II Navy veteran where he served on the USS Howard Gilmore. He also was a veteran of the 103rd National Guard, Indiantown Gap and 131st National Guard, Williams-town. He was a retired heavy equipment mechanic at Ft. Indian-town Gap. Mick was a life member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown, and a 48-year member of Williamstown American Legion. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Helen “Pat” Welsh Stakem, 2002; a daughter, Jennifer Carl, 1998; a son James Stakem, 2009; a granddaugher, Alicia Stakem, 2016; and a companion, Grace Gaffney, 2015. Surviving are his four sons: Michael F. III, Lebanon; Shawn (Jackie), Harrisburg; Patrick, Tower City; and Kevin (Glenda), Pillow; four daughters: Kathryn Humphries, Colorado; Monica Updegrave, Marysville; Bridget Mattern (Bob), Elizabethville; and Maureen Watkeys, Halifax; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and four great-greatgrandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 28 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown. Burial with military honors was in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, c/o Parish Office, 732 Main St., Lykens, PA 17048. The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., was entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guest book, visit dimonfuneralhome.com
This is a paid obituary
Michael F. Stakem Jr.
