Arthur David Stevenson, known to his family and friends as “Jr.”or Art, age 77, of 11 Weston Avenue, Gladstone, MI. Died Thursday evening May 1, 2008 surrounded by his loving family at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers.
Art was born May 27, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI the son of Arthur and Margaret (Klotz) Stevenson. He was raised in Milwaukee until the age of 15, at which time, he and his family relocated to the Perkins area where Art attended and graduated from the Perkins High School in 1948. During his high school years, Art excelled and starred as one of Perkins most talented basketball players. Art was united in marriage to the former Gloria Oberg on September 22, 1951 at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone. Shortly after his marriage to Gloria, Art enlisted in the United States Army serving, from 1951 to 1953, during the Korean War Conflict and was awarded medals of accommodation which included the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
Following his discharge, Art attended Northern Michigan University where he pursued a degree in education. Art then began his career with the Soo Line Railroad in Gladstone. Art eventually transferred, with the Soo Line to Cottage Grove, MN where he worked until his retirement in August of 1989. After retirement, Art and Gloria returned to Rapid River. Gloria preceded Art in death on March 25, 1992.
On November 29, 1997, Art married the former Joan (Calouette) Palmgren at the Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River. Together the couple made their home in Rapid River and later in Gladstone. Art was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. In addition he belonged to the Gladstone Masonic Lodge #396 F&AM for over fifty years and the Marquette Shriners for over forty five years. Art’s hobbies included: golfing, drinking coffee, dancing, and picking blueberries. Art will be remembered for his gentle smile and the twinkling of his eyes.
In addition to his wife Joan, survivors include:
2 sons; Scott (Deborah) Stevenson of Maple Grove, MN and Gary (Brenda) Stevenson of Gladstone.
2 daughters; Sheree (Robert) Wilbee of Rapid River and Traci Stevenson of Castle Rock, CO.
step-son; Scott (Caz) Palmgren of Bark River
step-daughter; Julie (Jim) Liss of Bark River
2 sisters; Elizabeth Knutson of West Allis, WI and Evora Schaefer of Gladstone
12 grandchildren; Shannon, Josh, Amy and Erin Stevenson; Andi and Eric Wilbee; Jay and Angela Stevenson; Eric and Amanda Palmgren and Justina and Jesse Liss.
4 great-grandchildren; Alyssa and Felicity Stevenson, Drew Metz and Lucas Hultin.
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Gloria, sister, Shirley Westland and brother, Donald Stevenson
Art’s family will receive friends on Monday, May 5, 2008 from 3:00 to 6:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Gladstone Mason Lodge #396 F&AM Masonic services will follow at 6:45 PM. Funeral services celebrating the life of Arthur David Stevenson will follow at 7:00 PM. with Rev. Steve Gauger of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River officiating. A luncheon will follow services at the Calvary Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Graveside services with Military Rites conducted by the Rapid River American Legion Post #301 will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
