US Navy Beach Jumpers Assoc.

Michael "Mike" J. Stamper, age 63, of rural Menomonie, WI died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at his home near Downsville. He was born September 1, 1947 in Laona, WI to Jess & Pauline (Lewis) Stamper. After graduating from high school, Mike joined the U.S. Navy in 1965 and was a member of the "Beach Jumpers" Unit II. He married Carolyn Gustafson on June 17, 1967 in Racine, WI. He started working as a lineman in 1968 for Wisconsin Electric Power Co. then in 1974, he moved to Westby Electric and Utility and onto working for Vernon Electric in Westby in 1977. In 1989 he started at Northeast Technical College as a job training and safety instructor and in 1993 he held the same position at WECA. He retired as safety manager for Dairyland Power on January 7, 2011. Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing and time in the outdoors. He especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was active in the First Church of the Nazarene in Menomonie as a member, Sunday school teacher and board member and was also a member of The Wisconsin District Advisory Board of the Church of the Nazarene. Mike is survived by his wife, Carolyn of Menomonie; mother, Pauline Stamper of Genoa City, WI; two sons, Mark (Lisa) of Sheldon and Jerod (Nikki) of Superior; seven grandchildren, Megan (fianc� Tyler Feirtag), Jacob, Haley, Colin, Tucker, Brett and Katie; five siblings, Peg (Larry) Rummel, Steve (Peggy) Stamper, Mary (Dale) Heckman, Tim (Holly) Stamper and Jenny (Tim) Zogg; mother-in-law, Louise Gustafson; brother-in-law, Gary (Kathy) Gustafson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jess (1997); one son, Craig (1973); one grandson, Jack (2005); nephew, Brad (1993); brother-in-law, Jim Belland (2007); and father-in-law, Perm Gustafson (2003). Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. at Menomonie Alliance Church (502 21st St.N.). Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will take place following the service at River View Cemetery in Downsville. Military honors will be provided by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. Olson Funeral Home of Menomonie is serving the family.

SFM3 Michael J. Stamper BJU-2 1966-67 d. 1-11-2011 “Fair winds and following seas”

U.S. Navy Beach Jumpers Association (727) 4-USNBJA