John M. Stephenson

John M. Stephenson obituary, South Bend, IN

John M. Stephenson

John Stephenson Obituary

Visit the McGann Hay Funerals, Cremations, and Gatherings - University Chapel website to view the full obituary.
John Madison Stephenson, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on November 15, 2022 with the love of his life, Barbara, by his side.
He was born and raised in Argos, Indiana. After high school, he went on to General Motors Institute of Technology in Flint Michigan, graduating with a degree in Dealer Management.
John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Barbara Gentner Stephenson; sister, Betty Knoth; daughter, Shelly (Ron) Appelman; son, James (Becky) Stephenson; and grandchildren; Nick (Regina) Stephenson, Meghan Stephenson, Tyler Appelman and Seth Stephenson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Madison and Elizabeth Stephenson; and son, John C. Stephenson.
John lived life to the fullest. He and Barbara spent many years boating on Lake Michigan. John even had his Captain's License to operate large vessels.
He fulfilled the biggest dream on his bucket list, which was building a race car from the ground up and racing for two years in a row at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah; meeting the stringent rules for qualification and reaching a speed of 184 miles per hour.
He loved being a member of the St. Joe Valley Street Rods for close to 30 years; he truly enjoyed caravanning with his good friends in the Club, along with his wife Barbara, to car shows around the country in one of his favorite street rods.
We will celebrate John at a private family gathering.
There will be no funeral service.
Donations may be made to Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
To send condolences to the family, please visit www.McGannHay.com.
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Sign John Stephenson's Guest Book

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July 10, 2025

Chip Evans posted to the memorial.

November 21, 2022

Ric Stran posted to the memorial.

November 20, 2022

Dennis Johnson posted to the memorial.

Chip Evans

July 10, 2025

I was in the wholesale liquor industry for many years and John was by far the nicest and easiest rep to work with. My condolences to Barb.

Ric Stran

November 21, 2022

John was a good friend and dedicated club member. We will miss his jokes, stories, and teasing at our meetings and great participation in so many events. Our condolences to Barb and family.

Dennis Johnson

November 20, 2022

Great guy, lots of meaningful visits at Club Meetings. Going to miss John. The best to you Barb. May you be blessed with peace and comfort from above.

Bob Schmidt

November 19, 2022

John was a very good friend that I had many good times with over many years. Rest in piece John.

Bob Schmidt

November 19, 2022

John was a very good friend who I spent many good times with over many years. My condolences to Barb and his family. Rest in piece John.

Roger Van Arsdale

November 19, 2022

Roger Van Arsdale

November 19, 2022

Roger Van Arsdale

November 19, 2022

Sending our condolences to Barb & family. John was a good friend & fellow St. Joe County Street Rods car club member for many years. We're all going to miss him.

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Sign John Stephenson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 10, 2025

Chip Evans posted to the memorial.

November 21, 2022

Ric Stran posted to the memorial.

November 20, 2022

Dennis Johnson posted to the memorial.