Earl Stover

Earl Stover, 92, died on February 12, 2011 at Martha & Mary Rehab Center in Poulsbo, WA. Born November 30, 1918 in Creighton, Nebraska, the 2nd of 11 children of William and Mary Stover. After he graduated from St. Ludger Academy, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was stationed in Red Wing, MN. In 1938 he moved to Chicago with his older brother, Bill, where he met his future wife, Gertrude Wojtyna.In 1941 he and his brother enlisted in the US Marines Corps. He spent most of WWII in the South Pacific as an aircraft mechanic. Earl achieved the rank of Master Tech Sergeant. Earl and Gertrude were married in Santa Barbara CA in 1944. In 1947 Earl opened his own auto body repair shop in Chicago and later joined Greer Technical Institute as a teacher of Metal Trades. He was promoted to teaching supervisor of Body and Fender, a position he held for 15 years. He was promoted in 1964 to Supervisor of Metal Trades. He retired from Greer/Lincoln Tech in 1983. Earl and Gertrude raised their family in Chicago. He enjoyed playing golf and working with the Boy Scouts of America. He was active in the Ushers Club at St. Ferdinand's parish where they were members for over 45 years. In 2003 Earl and Gertrude moved to Crista Shores in Silverdale WA. Earl was preceded in death by their son Earl, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Gertrude, and their daughters Barbara (Bill) Burke of Santa Rosa, CA, and Maureen (Jim) O'Gara of Bremerton, WA. He also survived by grandchildren Elizabeth O'Gara, Susan (Paul) Burke and Steven (Kelli) Burke and great-grandson, Christopher Burke. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Martha & Mary Rehab Center, PO Box 127, 19160 Front St. NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370 or the Leukemia Foundation. Private services will be held. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.