Robert Stephens

Funeral Service for Robert Stephens, 69, of Herman, Minnesota will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church in Herman, Minnesota with Pastor J.C. Duncan officiating. Organist will be Lois Bartell. Special Music will be provided by Norman Bartells Jr. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Tolifson, Doyle Sperr, Terry Bartell, Marvin Wilts, Les Bertram, Rollie Retzlaff, Marty Eystad & Gene Caauwe. Honorary Pallbearers will be Roberts Grandchildren Ashley, Danielle, Shawna, Tyler, Terianne, Mikayla, Sara, Joseph & Jennifer. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery, rural Herman. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, October 23rd from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church in Herman. Robert Charles Stephens was born February 1st, 1938 to Loren and Arvilla (Zahl) Stephens, being the youngest of seven children. He was baptized and confirmed at the Federated Church in Morris. He grew up in Pepperton Township where he attended Country School and Morris High School graduating in 1956. After graduating, he worked for a short time in Minneapolis, MN and then came home to help on the family farm. He then met the love of his life and soul mate, Karen Lawson and the two of them started their life together as one on December 25, 1959. They started their family shortly after marriage having five children whom he was very proud of, two boys and three girls. Bob started driving Semi truck for Jim White Trucking out of Morris until 1963 when Bob, Karen and family moved to Herman. He wore many hats through out his life. Being part of the Herman community in many different ways. He started working for Walter Bacon Excavating in 1963 until Walter decided to sell out. Bob bought the business from him and started Stephens Excavating and Septic Service. He ran that business for 25 years. In 1974, Bob started driving semi truck for Eystad Trucking of Donnelly and even after getting out of the excavating business, he continued driving semi until 2000 when he retired after being hurt in an accident. Bob worked as a part time police officer for the city of Herman and also worked for the Maintenance department. As his boys grew older, Bob became the Cub Master for the Cub Scout Pack #456 to help his boys learn all about being a cub scout. He worked for the Grant County Highway Department plowing snow for a few years. He worked with Louise and Larry Brunkow digging graves at the Herman Cemeteries. Bob served 22 years on the Herman Fire Department, acting as chief for several of those years. He also served on the Grant County Ag Association Board for 19 years. He was the president of that board for 16 of those years. Bob started the Enduro Races in Herman during his time on the fair board and enjoyed every minute of it. In 1999, Bob and Karen bought the Grocery Store in Herman. He was seen there quite a bit helping out his daughters until 2003 when they sold out of the store. One highlight in Bobs life that was mentioned more than once, was the stock car that David Austvold, Lloyd Christians, and himself built in 1970. It was the first local stock car to race on the track in Herman. For the past three years, Bob was finally able to do what he loved best again. He was asked to drive sugar beet truck for Ronnie & Terry Tolifson and Jerry Bryson. He could hardly wait until that time of year would roll around. He loved being in the semi and shared that love with some of his children and grandchildren as they got to ride along with him. Since retirement, Bob thoroughly enjoyed his family. Having family gatherings was one of his favorite past times. Other favorites included ice fishing, camping with the family, playing Euchre, shooting the breeze and just sitting in his chair in front of the garage watching traffic and waving to friends as they drove by. Bob especially enjoyed his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He loved joking around with them. He always had a come back for everything they said, trying to out wit them at every chance he could. Robert Charles Stephens passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday morning, October 20, 2007. He had just arrived home after a short stay at the hospital and was glad to be home again. He lived to be 69 years, 8 months and 19 days old. Robert is survived by his wife, Karen, of 48 years. His son: Gregory (Pat) Stephens of Brooklyn Center. His daughters: Giny Itzen and Heather (Jason) Montonye all of Herman. A son-in-law: Ryan Drinkwitz of Herman and nine grandchildren. Brothers: Sam (Mary Lou) of Calumet; Don (Karen) of Morris; Richard of Morris. Sisters: Carol Grotjohn of Breckenridge; Val (Bill) Gausman of Las Vegas, NV. Mother-in-law: Helen Lawson of Hoffman. Several brothers/sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and his little side kick, Jordon. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Loren and Arvilla; his father-in-law, Larry Lawson; his sister, Darlene; his son, Charles Lee; and his daughter, Brooke JoDel.