Obituary of Howard Dean Stevens

Howard "Steve" Dean Stevens, 84, Fort Atkinson passed away on January 4, 2021 in Greenville, South Carolina.  Steve was born in the Town of Oakland, WI  on June 6, 1936 to Viola (Lipke) and Howard M. Stevens.  Steve grew up as an orphan after his mother passed due to complications when his brother, Lloyd was born, and his father passed away while in the military.  He was raised by his Uncle Ed and Aunt Peggy Lipke.  After graduating from Jefferson High School, Steve joined the Navy Seabees, U.S. Naval Construction Force, from 1955 to 1964.  He was stationed in Port-au-Prince Haiti, Antarctica, and Vietnam.  After his naval service, he was employed as an over-the -road truck driver for Pirkle, Peck Meat and JK Hackl Transportation, to name a few.  He also owned the Mile Away Motel in Fort Atkinson from 1983 to 1994.  Upon retiring, he spent time traveling in his RV or truck and camper.  Recently, he split his time between living in Wisconsin and South Carolina.  Steve's family recalls many good times and fun memories over the years.  He enjoyed listening to music and had accumulated an impressive vinyl album collection that included his favorite artists from many decades. Being a true Wisconsinite, Steve enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers play on Sundays and was also a fan of NASCAR racing.  

Steve was married from 1957 to 1986 to Dorrene Sterling Stevens, who passed away on April 8, 2021 and to Mary Jane Stevens from 1986 to 2013.  He is survived by his former spouse, Mary Jane and his children: Mike Stevens, Fort Atkinson, Peggy (Glen) Pischer, Anchorage, AK and Brenda Stevens, Fort Atkinson.  Steve is further survived by his grandchildren: Carmen Pischer Miljevich and Ashlee (Matthew) Jendrusina; great grandchildren Abigail, Brady, Tucker and Trevor.  He also had 5 step-sons; Mike (Elizabeth) White, David (Susan) White, Randy (Honey) White, Jeff White and Lester (Jana) White; 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.  He is proceeded in death by Viola and Howard M. Stevens, Ed and Peggy Lipke, Lloyd Stevens and infant son Bobby Ray Stevens.

Burial with military honors will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11:00am at Evergreen Cemetery in  Fort Atkinson, WI.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.