Stories

Richard Stegemeier leaves a legacy of generosity

At 96, Richard Stegemeier is as articulate and sharp as someone half his age. He remembers his life in vivid detail, and what a life it has been. He served as chairman, president and CEO of the Unocal Corporation. He was president of the World Affairs Council in Los Angeles and Orange County, served on the boards of multiple companies, and holds seven U.S. patents. Those are just a few highlights on a long and impressive list of accomplishments. His prestigious career led to rare experiences — from golf with President Reagan to state dinners with President George H.W. Bush.

His defining moment occurred many years earlier in 1934. He poignantly recalls when, as a 7-year-old during the height of the Great Depression, he found a crumpled $5 bill on the church steps leaving Sunday Mass. “My father said, ‘That’s not ours,’ and we gave it to the priest,” remembers Richard. “That was a day’s wages for my dad, who told me, ‘Someone needs that more than we do.’ I’ve carried that with me all my life. My folks raised me to do the right thing.”

Giving where the need lies

At 83, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Bobby Ann, and married her after the loss of his beloved wife of 59 years, Marge. A father of four with Marge, stepdad to Bobby’s four kids, grandfather of nine and a great-grandfather 14 times over, Richard treasures his family. “I’m blessed with the most wonderful family God ever put on this earth,” he smiles.

When Marge passed away in 2011, Richard was thankful for the outstanding care she received at Providence St. Jude Medical Center. But that wasn’t his first experience with the medical center. “When the grandkids came to visit, they were always bumping their heads or cutting themselves, and we would run to the emergency department,” he says. “And they saved Marge’s life more than once after she had a major stroke and other serious health problems. Providence St. Jude has been very good to us.”

A prolific philanthropist, Richard’s gratitude made him a loyal supporter of the medical center for the past 25 years. At the end of 2023, he made a transformative gift, supporting the area of greatest need. “I thank God for the generosity of the people who donated to build Providence St. Jude,” says Richard. “Those people have long since passed away, but their legacy lives on. I’m glad to know that my gift will go on to help future generations.”