Lifelong Newberry resident, William "George" Stephenson, 92, died Wednesday morning May 28, 2014 at his residence under the loving care of his wife, LaVonne, and North Woods Hospice.

Born January 19, 1922 in Pentland Township, son of the late William & Mabel (Collins) Stephenson, George was a 1941 graduate of Newberry High School. While in high school, he was employed at Newberry Bottling, and Phillips 66 Gas Station/Montgomery Ward Outlet.

George served in the United States Coast Guard in Security during World War II until his honorable discharge on November 9, 1945 with the rank of Motor Machinist's Mate Second Class. He attended Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie obtaining an associate's degree in business and was employed in the propane gas business with Barrett's Propane Service and Cities Services Propane Company for 37 years until his retirement in 1983.

George was a longtime member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and also attended the Newberry United Methodist Church. He also served on the Newberry Fire Department for 32 years, serving as Assistant Chief for 19 years and Chief for 4 years. He also was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #74 and the Tahquamenon Sportsman's Club, both of Newberry. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, trapping, bowling, fast pitch softball, woodworking, gardening, picking blueberries and spending time at the "Shack".

In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his wives Catherine Swanson and Eleanor Uhlbeck; son George; step-son Carl; siblings Thelma Deloria, Ed and Albert "Buck".

Survivors include his loving wife, the former LaVonne Olson, of Newberry; children Paul (Sheila) of Coleman, David (Ann) and Mary (Ray) Gage all of Grayling; step-children Ken (Jan) Uhlbeck of Newberry and Mel (Juli) Uhlbeck of Newberry; step-daughter-in-law Kristine Uhlbeck of McMillan; siblings Mel of Edmonton, WA, Ken (Donna) of Newberry and Francis "Punk" (Sharon) of Sault Ste. Marie; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry on Monday June 2, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and also at Newberry United Methodist Church on Tuesday June 3, 2014 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Funeral services will follow at the church at 11:00 am with Pastor Tim Callow and Bishop Thomas Skrenes officiating. Inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date at Forest Home Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Newberry United Methodist Church in his memory.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.