Corey N. Stevens

Corey N. Stevens, 64, of Voltaire, ND, passed away unexpectedly in an accident on January 8th, 2025. Beloved brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, he was caring and helpful to all who were fortunate to call him family or friend, including the many dogs who passed through his care. Blessed with energy, humor, and a willingness to tackle difficult jobs, he will be deeply missed.
Corey was born in Minot at Trinity Hospital on February 28, 1960, Corey was the youngest of the four children of Kenneth and Alma Stevens, joining his older siblings Ronald, Ardeth, and Donald Stevens. He was an active and inquisitive child who loved the outdoors and enjoyed pitching in to help around the farm and hanging out with his dad. In his early teens he became an active trapper, often going out in the early mornings to check his traps for various fur bearing animals that he could sell at the fur market. He also hunted deer and pheasants and enjoyed fishing.
He received his GED at the age of seventeen and then went on to the Wahpeton School of Science where he studied mechanics. On returning to the family farm, he became an expert mechanic and jack of all trades – there were few things he couldn't fix.
He bought his own farm property in the early 1990's, located a mile north of his parents. Here he expanded his successful 35-year project of raising cattle, combining the newly acquired pasture and hay land with that of the home place. He and his then-partner Kathy Gachne grew a large garden, producing an abundance of vegetables for eating, giving away, canning and pickling.
Cooking delicious meals was a source of pride to Corey. He was an excellent cook and grill master, especially when it came to his fried walleye. But food was just as important as the centerpiece for gatherings, and he would happily serve as a sous chef for the other cooks in the family. He was also adamant that everyone in America should appreciate farmers and ranchers and know where their food came from.
He loved all things outdoors, and was always accompanied by a dog or two. His two most recent dogs, Sparky and Max, were treasured companions and anyone who was close to him would get updates on how they were doing. Over time, his hunting interest waned and he became more interested in wildlife conservation. He enjoyed creating a refuge for animals on the family farm and watching their activities.
In 2013, after the death of his mother, Corey moved back to the original farmstead to oversee the new family farm partnership that he and his siblings had created. He successfully improved the farm's value and built new outbuildings to accommodate the expansion.
In his free time he enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams play, including the Vikings, Buffalo Bills, NDSU Bison football teams, and the Boston Celtics basketball team.
Corey was always quick to help those in need - what he had to give, he shared freely. He would offer beef, mechanical or other types of farming support, or simply conversation for anyone who seemed to need it. He also made an effort to stay in touch with family and friends near and far, checking in frequently during the year to see how they were doing.
Corey took a special pleasure in family gatherings, whether on the farm or in other locations for visits, weddings, etc. He enjoyed two trips to Mexico with his nephews, and also visited his brother in Boston a couple of times. Every summer he hosted his siblings and their families for a weeklong gathering; these often included a bonfire, baseball and other games, and great outdoor meals, as well as visits by friends and extended family. Every summer gathering was memorable.
Corey will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his brother, Donald, his brother-in-law, James Ryan, his sisters-in-law Diane Stevens and Candyce Dostert, and his five nephews, Aaron, Alex, Steffen (Ali Goldberg), Jens (Jenny Cooper), Jules and his niece, Anneli (Mason Kendall), as well as Kathy Gachne, his dear friend of many years. And of course his beloved dogs Sparky and Max.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ardeth, and his brother and mentor, Ron.
There will be a memorial service planned for spring or early summer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to a conservation organization like the National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org), National Audubon Society (www.audubon.org), National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org), Souris Valley Animal Shelter (www.svaspets.com), or any charity of your choice, would be welcome.