Ernest T. Stec

Ernest T. Stec of Caro, age 70, passed away at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Friday, April 9, 2021. Ernie was born October 27, 1950 in Bad Axe, the son of the late Pete & Alice (Prill) Stec. The family moved to Shields in the early 1960's where he attended Shields Junior High and later Saginaw Technical High School to receive vocational training. His first job was at the Hacket Oil Gas Station where he pumped gas and waited on customers. In 1967, Ernie moved with his family to Caro and he graduated from Caro High School the following year. While in high school, he had a job at Caro Manufacturing. In the fall of 1968, he took a position at Grey Iron Foundry in Saginaw, ultimately becoming an iron tester, performing analysis on molten metal. Ernie fell in love with muscle cars when he was a teenager and in 1969 was able to buy his first new car, a GTO Judge, which he raced at the Tri-City Dragway on numerous occasions. Following his retirement from the foundry in 1994, he took up running and fitness, and became a regular at the local gym, eventually earning his certification as a personal trainer. Ernie also completed several marathons and coached the cross-country team, often running beside them. He found time to relax on his Harley, by playing a round of golf, or cheering on his beloved Michigan Wolverines. As a second career, Ernie became a self-proclaimed "junk dealer" and spent many days buying and selling antiques, collectables, and treasures. Traveling was also an important part of his retirement years and he was always accompanied by his wife, Robin and their beloved dachshund, Avoca. Ernie had a gentle personality and was truly liked by anyone that knew him. Left to cherish Ernie's memory are his wife, Robin Stec of Caro; two sons, Deron Stec (Andrea Mewhiney) of South Lyon, Shaun Stec of Madison Heights; two grandchildren, Brendon and Sydney Stec of South Lyon; brother, Randy Stec (Becky Tait-Stec) of Caro; stepchildren, Robert Knapp, Jr. (Kristen) of Detroit, Jessica Cyrprus (Jeffrey) of Harrison Township; step-grandsons, Andrew and Daniel Cyrprus of Harrison Township, and Sylvan Knapp of Detroit. In keeping with Ernie's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Tuscola County Community Foundation.