Charles Richard "Dick" Stevenson

Charles Richard "Dick" Stevenson, age 90, passed away on March 26, 2017, at his home in Onawa, IA, surrounded by his loved ones after a brief stay in the hospital and nursing home. He said, 'I've lived a good life; I've been lucky enough to have two wonderful companions and two wonderful sons; I've survived two cancers and a stroke; I'm ready; I don't want any tears." Let us celebrate the life of this hardworking, fun loving, outgoing, outspoken, caring and generous man. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Faith Lutheran Church in Onawa, Iowa with Vicar Shari Schwedhelm, officiating. Burial will be in the Onawa Cemetery, Onawa, Iowa. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Emery Johnson American Legion Post #481 of Whiting, Iowa. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 29, 2017 with a prayer service at 5:30 P.M. at the Rush Family Chapel, Onawa. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa. Charles Richard "Dick" Stevenson was born May 10, 1926, on the Stevenson-Fairchild farm north of Blue Lake to Fred and Mryna (Beigel) Stevenson. After his mother's death in 1942, he and his sister Joann lived with their sister and her husband, Dorothy and Harry Hoffman. Dick graduated from Blencoe High School in 1944. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II in March 1944, served from 1944 to 1946, and was discharged in June of 1946. He worked odd jobs from 1946 until 1950, including working in California on an oil well, working as a farm hand, and hauling rock for construction. In 1956, he managed the Standard Oil tank wagon. He began working for the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1960 until his retirement in 1988. Dick was married to Bonnie Jean Lee on June 22, 1952. They were blessed with two sons, Bradley and Benny. Together, they loved raising their sons, dancing, fishing, playing cards, following their granddaughters' school events, spoiling their granddaughters, and spending time with family and friends. Bonnie preceded him in death on March 21, 2008. Dick married Alice (Collett) Conway on April 1, 2012, and they enjoyed five years together and took good care of each other. Dick was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Onawa and was a 71-year member of the American Legion, Post #481, and served as Post Commander. He was also a member of the Masonic Temple and the Abu Beckr Shriners. He served as the Monona County Veteran Affairs Commissioner, served on the Ducks Unlimited Committee, and coached many youth baseball teams as he raised his sons. His hobbies included playing cards, dancing, fishing, hunting, gardening, and he always enjoyed a good story and always had one to share. He was an avid Hawkeye sports fan. Dick loved nature and bird watching, and he certainly passed this love of nature onto his children and grandchildren. Grandpa Dick also enjoyed the love of his step-family: stepdaughter Kathy Roberts, step grandchildren Kim Roberts, Tom (Michelle) Roberts, and Tammy (Ron) Taylor, and three step-great-granddaughters Carlie and Cayden Roberts, and Bella Taylor. The great-granddaughters created many cards for birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and get well cards. He teased them and played tricks on them. He loved these children and that love was returned in full. Survivors left to cherish many wonderful memories are his wife, Alice Conway; his son, Brad (Celia) Stevenson of Blencoe, IA; his son Ben (Martha) Stevenson of Iowa City, IA; his granddaughter, Theresa (Mitch) Dehn and great-granddaughter, Holly, of Blencoe, IA; his granddaughter, Janie (Marcus) Morris of Omaha, NE; two brothers, Robert "Bob" Stevenson of West Liberty, IA, and Jack (Norma) Stevenson of Sloan, IA; two sisters-in-law, Caryl Lee-Powell of Salix, IA and Deleva Stevenson of Manchester, IA; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and a loyal pet, Ruffy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, and his parents, Fred and Myrna; four sisters, Virginia Edson, Dorothy Hoffman, Lorraine Greinke, and Joann Eisele; two brothers, George and Don Stevenson; three sisters-in-law, Bernice Stevenson, Gloria Stevenson, and Bob's Bonnie Stevenson; and four brothers-in-law, Norman Edson, Harry Hoffman, Walter "Bud" Grienke, and Rogene Eisele; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Merlin and Margie Lee and brother-in-law, Jim Lee. Condolences and memories may be left online for the family at www.rushfamilycareservice.com