Arthur David Stevenson

GLADSTONE — Arthur David Stevenson, known to his family and friends as “Jr.” or Art, 77, of 11 Weston Ave., Gladstone, 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, Wis., 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 Sept. 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, Minn., 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 Nov. 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 No. 396 F&AM for over 50 years and the Marquette Shriners for over 45 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: two sons, Scott (Deborah) Stevenson of Maple Grove, Minn., and Gary (Brenda) Stevenson of Gladstone; two daughters, Sheree (Robert) Wilbee of Rapid River and Traci Stevenson of Castle Rock, Colo.; stepson, Scott (Caz) Palmgren of Bark River; stepdaughter, Julie (Jim) Liss of Bark River; two sisters, Elizabeth Knutson of West Allis, Wis.; 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; four 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 first wife, Gloria; sister, Shirley Westland; and brother, Donald Stevenson.

Art’s family will receive friends on Monday, May 5, from 3 to 6:45 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Gladstone Mason Lodge No. 396 F&AM Masonic services will follow at 6:45 p.m. Funeral services celebrating the life of Arthur David Stevenson will follow at 7 p.m. 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 a.m. at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Please visit www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com where you can express your sympathy to the Stevenson family, or leave a memory tribute about Art.