Ernie J. Stage, Jr.

Ernest "Ernie" John Stage, Jr., 90, of Battle Creek, passed away on July 2, 2022, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.

Ernie was born on September 10, 1931, to Ernest J. Sr. and Beulah (Walker) Stage in Marshall, Michigan. He was a graduate of Marshall High School, Class of 1950 and attended MSU. Ernie also proudly served his country with 4 years of service in the US Air Force. On November 9, 1957, he married Virginia Storr and worked in Communication Maintenance throughout his career of 45 years.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshall, and of Stanley Lamb American Legion Post #79 since 1955. Ernie enjoyed gardening, farming, camping, travel and especially spending time with family.

Ernie is survived by his son, John (Mary) Stage of Battle Creek; grandchildren, John Stage, Mike, Jeff, JoAnne & Dustin Leach, and Susan (Paul) Clair; also, six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia A. Stage; daughter, Mary R. Leach; and parents.

Visitation will be held at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068 on Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 11:00am until the time of the funeral ceremony beginning at 12:00pm. Graveside service will follow at Oakridge Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/ or American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/ . Also, you may visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the online guest book, or to leave the family condolences.