Michael Stebelus, owner of R&J Meats in St. Johnsbury, passed away Friday, May 27, 2011, at the age of only 47. Very recently he had been diagnosed with cancer. He was born in St. Johnsbury on Sept. 1, 1963, one of three children born to David and Freddie (Harbaugh) Stebelus. Michael graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1981. Even before graduating, he started cutting meat at the old IGA store. In 1984 he joined Bob Egizi at R&J Meats on Railroad Street and purchased the business in 2005. Michael had a true passion for meat cutting and strived for perfection. He also loved to cook, garden, was good buddies with his niece and nephew Carla and Caleb, and loved his beloved cocker spaniels Ginger and Gilligan!! Michael was a long time bowler at Gold Crown Lanes. He often bowled the high score of the night and loved to brag about it! He was a longtime member of the St. Johnsbury Elks Club. Michael especially loved spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his father David T. Stebelus and his sister Tonya Stebelus Whitcher. He is survived by his wife Darleen of Peacham, step-son Sean Surat and wife Jennifer, and their son Connor of Peacham, all of to whom Michael was very close; his mother Freddie Stebelus of St. Johnsbury; his sister Turie Sorrell and husband Mike of Concord; Turie's three children: Jesse Remick and wife Jill and daughter Natalie of Montpelier, Jodi Mashia and husband Jason of Swanton, and Matt Magoon of St. Johnsbury; nephew Nicholas Whitcher of Houston, Texas; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held in St. Johnsbury Wednesday, June 1, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Tuesday evening from 5-8 p.m.