From the Gorgen Funeral Homes website
Dodgeville - Wayne C. Stephens, age 65, of Dodgeville, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Bloomfield Manor in rural Dodgeville.
You can look to the left and right of this column and see we're not alone. Wayne would be the first to remind you there are other people whose hearts are full of sadness today…
For 65 years, Wayne Curtis Stephens gave more than he took.
Born on July 23, 1943, Wayne grew up on his family's farm near Dodgeville with his mother Stella Tremelling Stephens (Coffey), his father Curtis, sister Elaine Stephens (Winch) and other relatives who stayed with their family for long stretches. It was on the farm where Wayne, with his dog "Nipper" at his side, learned about hard work and personal hardship. When he was only 17, Wayne lost his father Curtis and without hesitation, took up the hard work of a family farm with his mother.
Wayne graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1961 with Jane "Elaine" Weier, but the two didn't start dating until he had already enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon a shelf in a closet, there's still a lidless shoe box full of letters that Wayne wrote to Elaine from Camp Pendleton, CA and ultimately, Vietnam – where Wayne proudly served his country between 1962 and 1966, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal.
Always the romantic, Wayne proposed to Elaine after their date to see "The Battle of the Bulge" starring Henry Fonda and Telly Savales. It must have worked. Over the next 42 years, Wayne and Elaine lived in Edmund, Linden, rural Ridgeway and finally, Dodgeville.
Wayne drove a delivery truck for Standard Oil for a few years, but if you shopped at Dick's Grocery Store in Dodgeville between 1978 and 1992, you probably bumped into him there (he was the handsome one), where he was a department Manager.
With his wife, Elaine, Wayne raised three very grateful sons; Douglas, Mark and Jason. Wayne taught his sons about wildlife, automotive upkeep and appreciation for a good meal. The most important lesson he taught was that you should try to help others when you can. With that philosophy in mind, Wayne and Elaine started a home-based real estate business in 1984 – "Stephens Realty" – would become one of Dodgeville's most recognizable and well-respected small businesses. Wayne always took great pride in being a business owner.
Wayne was also very proud of his affiliation with several veterans groups. He was the chaplain of the Ridgeway American Legion post 0257, and was a member of Dodgeville's Veterans of Foreign Wars and Forty et Eight.
In his free time, Wayne cared for his mother Stella; maintaining her home, taking her meals and helping her with day-to-day errands. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and walking at Governor Dodge State Park – and watching television. He was an avid fan of western films and military action movies. Wayne also took an occasional trip to the casino, where he and his wife, Elaine, always made sure to "leave some behind for other people to win".
Wayne really enjoyed spending time with his growing family – his son Doug is the UW Platteville campus planner, and in being such, embraces his dad's knack for organization. In 2001, Doug married Tammy Salmon-Stephens. She's the head of Women in Engineering at UWP. She and Wayne shared a special bond, which often included Wayne "getting her goat". His son Mark is a Master Electrician and co-owner of S.W. Electric and lives in Platteville. Mark embodies Wayne's work ethic slogan, "If you're going to do it, do it right". Mark is also the luckiest of the Stephens boys, as he looks the most like his father. Wayne's youngest son, Jason, picked up his father's sense of humor. He's host of the morning radio show on Q106 in Madison – and performs improv comedy regularly with the Monkey Business Institute. Not only did Wayne love his sons, but he also cared deeply for the wives and girlfriends his sons brought into the family along the way.
Wayne overcame a heart attack in 2002, and used this second lease on life to become the world's best grandfather (undisputed). His grand-daughter Mary Jane, born to Doug and his wife Tammy in 2002 was his sunshine and his best friend. He watched whatever she wanted to watch on television, they played tricks on Grandma together and he even shared his Cheetos with her. (This is important to note; as for over 60 years, Wayne didn't extend such privileges to ANYONE ELSE. Not even his wife)…
Over the final year of his life, Wayne battled cancer with the bravery and valor of a United States Marine. He fought against it with his wife Elaine by his side, overcoming his pain with their unshakable love for one another. For everything cancer did to Wayne – it could not break his spirit. He kept his sharp wit and exceptional humor to the end, breaking the tension of impossible sorrow with perfectly delivered one-liners. Wayne relished his role as son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa and friend – and in his final career move, on Tuesday, June 16th, 2009, with his family cheering him on, he suited up as his grand-daughter's guardian angel.
The compassion and kindness of those who helped Wayne in his final months, weeks and days cannot be overlooked. As it was customary for Wayne Stephens in life, we thank everyone who has offered a hand or shoulder. In lieu of flowers, please give to the charitable organization of your choosing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009 at St. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Father Peter Auer will officiate. Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetary with Military Graveside Services Rites accorded by the Dodgeville and Ridgeway Veterans. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009 and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville.
Dodgeville - Wayne C. Stephens, age 65, of Dodgeville, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Bloomfield Manor in rural Dodgeville.
You can look to the left and right of this column and see we're not alone. Wayne would be the first to remind you there are other people whose hearts are full of sadness today…
For 65 years, Wayne Curtis Stephens gave more than he took.
Born on July 23, 1943, Wayne grew up on his family's farm near Dodgeville with his mother Stella Tremelling Stephens (Coffey), his father Curtis, sister Elaine Stephens (Winch) and other relatives who stayed with their family for long stretches. It was on the farm where Wayne, with his dog "Nipper" at his side, learned about hard work and personal hardship. When he was only 17, Wayne lost his father Curtis and without hesitation, took up the hard work of a family farm with his mother.
Wayne graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1961 with Jane "Elaine" Weier, but the two didn't start dating until he had already enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon a shelf in a closet, there's still a lidless shoe box full of letters that Wayne wrote to Elaine from Camp Pendleton, CA and ultimately, Vietnam – where Wayne proudly served his country between 1962 and 1966, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal.
Always the romantic, Wayne proposed to Elaine after their date to see "The Battle of the Bulge" starring Henry Fonda and Telly Savales. It must have worked. Over the next 42 years, Wayne and Elaine lived in Edmund, Linden, rural Ridgeway and finally, Dodgeville.
Wayne drove a delivery truck for Standard Oil for a few years, but if you shopped at Dick's Grocery Store in Dodgeville between 1978 and 1992, you probably bumped into him there (he was the handsome one), where he was a department Manager.
With his wife, Elaine, Wayne raised three very grateful sons; Douglas, Mark and Jason. Wayne taught his sons about wildlife, automotive upkeep and appreciation for a good meal. The most important lesson he taught was that you should try to help others when you can. With that philosophy in mind, Wayne and Elaine started a home-based real estate business in 1984 – "Stephens Realty" – would become one of Dodgeville's most recognizable and well-respected small businesses. Wayne always took great pride in being a business owner.
Wayne was also very proud of his affiliation with several veterans groups. He was the chaplain of the Ridgeway American Legion post 0257, and was a member of Dodgeville's Veterans of Foreign Wars and Forty et Eight.
In his free time, Wayne cared for his mother Stella; maintaining her home, taking her meals and helping her with day-to-day errands. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and walking at Governor Dodge State Park – and watching television. He was an avid fan of western films and military action movies. Wayne also took an occasional trip to the casino, where he and his wife, Elaine, always made sure to "leave some behind for other people to win".
Wayne really enjoyed spending time with his growing family – his son Doug is the UW Platteville campus planner, and in being such, embraces his dad's knack for organization. In 2001, Doug married Tammy Salmon-Stephens. She's the head of Women in Engineering at UWP. She and Wayne shared a special bond, which often included Wayne "getting her goat". His son Mark is a Master Electrician and co-owner of S.W. Electric and lives in Platteville. Mark embodies Wayne's work ethic slogan, "If you're going to do it, do it right". Mark is also the luckiest of the Stephens boys, as he looks the most like his father. Wayne's youngest son, Jason, picked up his father's sense of humor. He's host of the morning radio show on Q106 in Madison – and performs improv comedy regularly with the Monkey Business Institute. Not only did Wayne love his sons, but he also cared deeply for the wives and girlfriends his sons brought into the family along the way.
Wayne overcame a heart attack in 2002, and used this second lease on life to become the world's best grandfather (undisputed). His grand-daughter Mary Jane, born to Doug and his wife Tammy in 2002 was his sunshine and his best friend. He watched whatever she wanted to watch on television, they played tricks on Grandma together and he even shared his Cheetos with her. (This is important to note; as for over 60 years, Wayne didn't extend such privileges to ANYONE ELSE. Not even his wife)…
Over the final year of his life, Wayne battled cancer with the bravery and valor of a United States Marine. He fought against it with his wife Elaine by his side, overcoming his pain with their unshakable love for one another. For everything cancer did to Wayne – it could not break his spirit. He kept his sharp wit and exceptional humor to the end, breaking the tension of impossible sorrow with perfectly delivered one-liners. Wayne relished his role as son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa and friend – and in his final career move, on Tuesday, June 16th, 2009, with his family cheering him on, he suited up as his grand-daughter's guardian angel.
The compassion and kindness of those who helped Wayne in his final months, weeks and days cannot be overlooked. As it was customary for Wayne Stephens in life, we thank everyone who has offered a hand or shoulder. In lieu of flowers, please give to the charitable organization of your choosing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009 at St. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Father Peter Auer will officiate. Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetary with Military Graveside Services Rites accorded by the Dodgeville and Ridgeway Veterans. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009 and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville.
From the Gorgen Funeral Homes website
Dodgeville - Wayne C. Stephens, age 65, of Dodgeville, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Bloomfield Manor in rural Dodgeville.
You can look to the left and right of this column and see we're not alone. Wayne would be the first to remind you there are other people whose hearts are full of sadness today…
For 65 years, Wayne Curtis Stephens gave more than he took.
Born on July 23, 1943, Wayne grew up on his family's farm near Dodgeville with his mother Stella Tremelling Stephens (Coffey), his father Curtis, sister Elaine Stephens (Winch) and other relatives who stayed with their family for long stretches. It was on the farm where Wayne, with his dog "Nipper" at his side, learned about hard work and personal hardship. When he was only 17, Wayne lost his father Curtis and without hesitation, took up the hard work of a family farm with his mother.
Wayne graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1961 with Jane "Elaine" Weier, but the two didn't start dating until he had already enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon a shelf in a closet, there's still a lidless shoe box full of letters that Wayne wrote to Elaine from Camp Pendleton, CA and ultimately, Vietnam – where Wayne proudly served his country between 1962 and 1966, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal.
Always the romantic, Wayne proposed to Elaine after their date to see "The Battle of the Bulge" starring Henry Fonda and Telly Savales. It must have worked. Over the next 42 years, Wayne and Elaine lived in Edmund, Linden, rural Ridgeway and finally, Dodgeville.
Wayne drove a delivery truck for Standard Oil for a few years, but if you shopped at Dick's Grocery Store in Dodgeville between 1978 and 1992, you probably bumped into him there (he was the handsome one), where he was a department Manager.
With his wife, Elaine, Wayne raised three very grateful sons; Douglas, Mark and Jason. Wayne taught his sons about wildlife, automotive upkeep and appreciation for a good meal. The most important lesson he taught was that you should try to help others when you can. With that philosophy in mind, Wayne and Elaine started a home-based real estate business in 1984 – "Stephens Realty" – would become one of Dodgeville's most recognizable and well-respected small businesses. Wayne always took great pride in being a business owner.
Wayne was also very proud of his affiliation with several veterans groups. He was the chaplain of the Ridgeway American Legion post 0257, and was a member of Dodgeville's Veterans of Foreign Wars and Forty et Eight.
In his free time, Wayne cared for his mother Stella; maintaining her home, taking her meals and helping her with day-to-day errands. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and walking at Governor Dodge State Park – and watching television. He was an avid fan of western films and military action movies. Wayne also took an occasional trip to the casino, where he and his wife, Elaine, always made sure to "leave some behind for other people to win".
Wayne really enjoyed spending time with his growing family – his son Doug is the UW Platteville campus planner, and in being such, embraces his dad's knack for organization. In 2001, Doug married Tammy Salmon-Stephens. She's the head of Women in Engineering at UWP. She and Wayne shared a special bond, which often included Wayne "getting her goat". His son Mark is a Master Electrician and co-owner of S.W. Electric and lives in Platteville. Mark embodies Wayne's work ethic slogan, "If you're going to do it, do it right". Mark is also the luckiest of the Stephens boys, as he looks the most like his father. Wayne's youngest son, Jason, picked up his father's sense of humor. He's host of the morning radio show on Q106 in Madison – and performs improv comedy regularly with the Monkey Business Institute. Not only did Wayne love his sons, but he also cared deeply for the wives and girlfriends his sons brought into the family along the way.
Wayne overcame a heart attack in 2002, and used this second lease on life to become the world's best grandfather (undisputed). His grand-daughter Mary Jane, born to Doug and his wife Tammy in 2002 was his sunshine and his best friend. He watched whatever she wanted to watch on television, they played tricks on Grandma together and he even shared his Cheetos with her. (This is important to note; as for over 60 years, Wayne didn't extend such privileges to ANYONE ELSE. Not even his wife)…
Over the final year of his life, Wayne battled cancer with the bravery and valor of a United States Marine. He fought against it with his wife Elaine by his side, overcoming his pain with their unshakable love for one another. For everything cancer did to Wayne – it could not break his spirit. He kept his sharp wit and exceptional humor to the end, breaking the tension of impossible sorrow with perfectly delivered one-liners. Wayne relished his role as son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa and friend – and in his final career move, on Tuesday, June 16th, 2009, with his family cheering him on, he suited up as his grand-daughter's guardian angel.
The compassion and kindness of those who helped Wayne in his final months, weeks and days cannot be overlooked. As it was customary for Wayne Stephens in life, we thank everyone who has offered a hand or shoulder. In lieu of flowers, please give to the charitable organization of your choosing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009 at St. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Father Peter Auer will officiate. Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetary with Military Graveside Services Rites accorded by the Dodgeville and Ridgeway Veterans. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009 and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville.
Dodgeville - Wayne C. Stephens, age 65, of Dodgeville, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Bloomfield Manor in rural Dodgeville.
You can look to the left and right of this column and see we're not alone. Wayne would be the first to remind you there are other people whose hearts are full of sadness today…
For 65 years, Wayne Curtis Stephens gave more than he took.
Born on July 23, 1943, Wayne grew up on his family's farm near Dodgeville with his mother Stella Tremelling Stephens (Coffey), his father Curtis, sister Elaine Stephens (Winch) and other relatives who stayed with their family for long stretches. It was on the farm where Wayne, with his dog "Nipper" at his side, learned about hard work and personal hardship. When he was only 17, Wayne lost his father Curtis and without hesitation, took up the hard work of a family farm with his mother.
Wayne graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1961 with Jane "Elaine" Weier, but the two didn't start dating until he had already enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon a shelf in a closet, there's still a lidless shoe box full of letters that Wayne wrote to Elaine from Camp Pendleton, CA and ultimately, Vietnam – where Wayne proudly served his country between 1962 and 1966, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal.
Always the romantic, Wayne proposed to Elaine after their date to see "The Battle of the Bulge" starring Henry Fonda and Telly Savales. It must have worked. Over the next 42 years, Wayne and Elaine lived in Edmund, Linden, rural Ridgeway and finally, Dodgeville.
Wayne drove a delivery truck for Standard Oil for a few years, but if you shopped at Dick's Grocery Store in Dodgeville between 1978 and 1992, you probably bumped into him there (he was the handsome one), where he was a department Manager.
With his wife, Elaine, Wayne raised three very grateful sons; Douglas, Mark and Jason. Wayne taught his sons about wildlife, automotive upkeep and appreciation for a good meal. The most important lesson he taught was that you should try to help others when you can. With that philosophy in mind, Wayne and Elaine started a home-based real estate business in 1984 – "Stephens Realty" – would become one of Dodgeville's most recognizable and well-respected small businesses. Wayne always took great pride in being a business owner.
Wayne was also very proud of his affiliation with several veterans groups. He was the chaplain of the Ridgeway American Legion post 0257, and was a member of Dodgeville's Veterans of Foreign Wars and Forty et Eight.
In his free time, Wayne cared for his mother Stella; maintaining her home, taking her meals and helping her with day-to-day errands. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and walking at Governor Dodge State Park – and watching television. He was an avid fan of western films and military action movies. Wayne also took an occasional trip to the casino, where he and his wife, Elaine, always made sure to "leave some behind for other people to win".
Wayne really enjoyed spending time with his growing family – his son Doug is the UW Platteville campus planner, and in being such, embraces his dad's knack for organization. In 2001, Doug married Tammy Salmon-Stephens. She's the head of Women in Engineering at UWP. She and Wayne shared a special bond, which often included Wayne "getting her goat". His son Mark is a Master Electrician and co-owner of S.W. Electric and lives in Platteville. Mark embodies Wayne's work ethic slogan, "If you're going to do it, do it right". Mark is also the luckiest of the Stephens boys, as he looks the most like his father. Wayne's youngest son, Jason, picked up his father's sense of humor. He's host of the morning radio show on Q106 in Madison – and performs improv comedy regularly with the Monkey Business Institute. Not only did Wayne love his sons, but he also cared deeply for the wives and girlfriends his sons brought into the family along the way.
Wayne overcame a heart attack in 2002, and used this second lease on life to become the world's best grandfather (undisputed). His grand-daughter Mary Jane, born to Doug and his wife Tammy in 2002 was his sunshine and his best friend. He watched whatever she wanted to watch on television, they played tricks on Grandma together and he even shared his Cheetos with her. (This is important to note; as for over 60 years, Wayne didn't extend such privileges to ANYONE ELSE. Not even his wife)…
Over the final year of his life, Wayne battled cancer with the bravery and valor of a United States Marine. He fought against it with his wife Elaine by his side, overcoming his pain with their unshakable love for one another. For everything cancer did to Wayne – it could not break his spirit. He kept his sharp wit and exceptional humor to the end, breaking the tension of impossible sorrow with perfectly delivered one-liners. Wayne relished his role as son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa and friend – and in his final career move, on Tuesday, June 16th, 2009, with his family cheering him on, he suited up as his grand-daughter's guardian angel.
The compassion and kindness of those who helped Wayne in his final months, weeks and days cannot be overlooked. As it was customary for Wayne Stephens in life, we thank everyone who has offered a hand or shoulder. In lieu of flowers, please give to the charitable organization of your choosing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009 at St. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Father Peter Auer will officiate. Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetary with Military Graveside Services Rites accorded by the Dodgeville and Ridgeway Veterans. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009 and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville.
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