The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Steven Stephens, died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, following an 11 year struggle with cancer and its aftermath.devices

Steven Douglas Stephens was born Sept. 6, 1950, in Ventura, Calif., to David and Madora (Murray) Stephens. He was raised in southern California where he loved spending time with his grandparents on The Ranch. Steve graduated from Ventura High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969, and served for three years as a calibration technology specialist in Vietnam. Steve was honorably discharged in 1972.

After graduating from San Jose State University in 1979, he launched his career in the aerospace industry, working as a Radiation Hardness and Survivability Project Engineer with various firms including Rockwell International, TRW, and Hughes Aircraft.

In the late 1980s, Steve was sent to Minnesota contracted out on a project with Control Data in St. Paul. Most recently, he worked as an AFLAC Associate, Regional Sales Coordinator and District Sales Coordinator.

In 1989, Steve met and fell in love with his soul mate, Wendy, and never moved from Minnesota again. He always said “I came to Minnesota for work but stayed for love.”

On Aug. 26, 1989, Steve married Wendy Carole Erickson on her Grandpa and Grandma Asleson’s farm near Wendell. His greatest pride and joy was his family, both near and far.

Steve enjoyed reading historical fiction and most recently the Harry Potter series. He and Nathanael were working their way through all 10 seasons of the Smallville series.

Steve enjoyed technical stuff to the end: his smart phone, Blackberry, Bluetooth, laptop and e-reader. He was also a member of Sertoma of Fergus Falls and active in his church.

Steve was a lover of the word, always in pursuit of righteousness, not compromise. He bore his trials, waiting on the Lord. We are sad his fight didn’t include more earthly victories, but he has now experienced the Ultimate Victory. In his own words, “Jesus is all that matters.”

Steve is survived by his wife, Wendy; his children, Byron (Robin) Stephens of Dallas, Texas, Yvonne Stephens of Las Cruces, N.M., Nancy Goodell of Pagosa Springs, Colo., Rachel, Nathanael and Lydia Stephens, all of Fergus Falls; four grandchildren, Kellie and Maryann Goodell, Kinsey and Zachary Stephens; his mother, Madora Stephens; two sisters, Donna Peavy and Debra Estrada; one brother, Fredrick Stephens; numerous other relatives; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, David; a brother, Richard; and his son, Luke.

Family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers.

Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., with a time of sharing at 7 p.m. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, at Hilltop Celebration Church, Fergus Falls (From I-94, take Exit 57, turn north toward Fergus Falls and travel approximately 1.4 miles to Hilltop Celebration Church on the West, near the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.)

Clergy: Yvonne Stephens and Rev. Dan Mueller

Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, with military honors provided by Minnesota National Guard

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Condolences may be sent online at www.GlendeNilson.com