Rev. Edward C. Stemme, Sr., 91, of Tilden Twp. -- Second Generation Assemblies of God Minister. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
Edward passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2021 in his residence. Born in Streator, Illinois, he was the son of the late Rev. Harry A. Stemme, Sr. and Mabel (Rainey) Stemme, a dedicated elementary school teacher.
In 1955, Ed graduated from the Assemblies of God Southern California Bible College, now Vanguard University.
Ed has pastored Assemblies of God Churches in Illinois Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
He authored the book: The Joy Power Revolution
Ed earned a Master's degree in Elementary Education at Massachusetts State University, Worcester - this was to enable him to support himself in the Assemblies of God Ministries.
He also earned a two years Masters Degree in Community Planning at the University of Pittsburgh. He was one if the 1st people to achieve thus degree.
1 year- Ed taught Apologetics, Polemics and Personal Evangelism at the Assemblies of God Eastern Bible Institute, Green Lane, Pa, before the school moved to become Valley Forge Christian College.
12 years- Ed taught fifth and sixth grades in public schools to support himself in the Assemblies of God Ministries.
13 years- He was a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Community Planner, Department of Community Affairs, Harrisburg, PA. He also held prayer meetings during lunch times.
15 years- Ed had Small Group Ministries, including ministering to and counseling those with addictions.
4.5 years- Ed was teaching his book, The Joy Power Revolution, to those seeking divine deliverances from their addictions. This was at Teen Challenge Training Center in Rehrersburg, PA.
Beginning in 2010- Every Sunday, he was teaching discipleship classes on Ephesians, Romans, Hebrews, Acts of the Apostles, the Four New Testament Gospels and the Old Testament book of Exodus. He taught those at the Bridge Church, Assemblies of God in Hamburg, PA.
Ed leaves Sylvia Stemme, his precious wife of 67 years, daughter Sharon Reppert, wife of Randy Reppert, son Edward Stemme Jr, 3 grandchildren Randy Reppert, husband of Christina, James Reppert, husband of Jocelyn and Michelle Arredondolopez, wife of Juan. Also 8 great- children Justin, Kyle, Alex, Jaidyn, Mia, Josiah, Jonah and Jordan. He is also survived by a brother: Fred Stemme; and a sister: Clare Joppling.
Services will be held on Thursday, April, 29 at 11:00 am from The Bridge Church, 3561 Old 22, Hamburg. A viewing will be on Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 am in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Teen Challenge, 33 Teen Challenge Road, Rehrersburg, PA 19550. Interment will be private with family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.