Kenneth D. Stephan

Kenneth (Ken) D. Stephan, best known to his friends as 'Stuffy,' 76, of Polson, formerly of Missoula, passed away at his home from natural causes on November 16, 2010. Ken was born on August 9, 1934, to Walter and Marie (Koch) Stephan and grew up in Missoula where he graduated from Missoula County High School. Ken and Doretta Marie Potter from Polson were married on December 3, 1955, and later divorced. They had four children, David, Kari, Karen and Craig. Ken worked as a truck driver for Zip Beverage Company and then in the logging industry for Champion International. He bought his own road grader and continued working for Champion, owning K & V Maintenance, until his retirement. Ken married Vera Hanner in 1981. Vera worked for the math department at the University of Montana for 25 years. After retirement, they relocated to Polson where they lived a quiet life. Ken and Vera spent many summers at Lake Mary Ronan fishing and visiting with friends. Ken enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking, watching NASCAR, and always had candy within reach. Besides his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Vera, in 2007: brother, Don, and his wife, Judy: and infant great-grandson, Carter Hellyer. He is survived by his children, David (Donnetta) Stephan of Arlee: Kari (Dan) Merritt of Missoula: Karen Stephan (Kevin Allen) of Alberton: Craig Stephan of Plano, Texas: granddaughter, Kacie Stephan, and twin great-grandchildren, Riley and Brandon Hellyer: and granddaughter, Kelsey Stephan, all of Missoula. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Sharon Milner of Oregon: John Hanner and Bill Hanner, both of California. Cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at a later date. Grogan Funeral Home in Polson assisted the family. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at P. O. Box 2534, Missoula, MT 59806 or may be left for the family online by visiting www.groganfuneralhome.com.
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