Wayne E. Stephens

Wayne E. Stephens, 80, of Polson, passed away Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, after a long struggle with Parkinson's. He was born in Emmett, Idaho, on Oct. 18, 1932, to Bud and Bessie Stephens, and grew up in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Before graduating from high school he entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea for two years, where he received a Purple Heart. He was a graduate of the University of Idaho, graduating with honors, and earned a degree in finance and business administration. He had four children from a previous marriage.

He was employed by the government as Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Fort Yates, N.D., and Billings. After taking early retirement he bought and sold real estate. He married Geraldine (Jeri) Olson on Sept. 24, 1983, in Missoula. They bought their dream home on Flathead Lake. Wayne continued to be very involved with the Manchu 9th Infantry. In 1996 he went back to Korea with fellow soldiers. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He looked forward each summer boating with his grandchildren and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jeri; children, Dianna Pinkerton (Robb), Mark Stephens (Debbie), Jeanne Jacobsen (Bob), Julia Stephens (Ron) and stepson Keith Welty; grandchildren, Jennifer Jacobsen, Tessa Morales, Alex Kottwitz, Christine Jacobsen, Tori Kottwitz, Katie Jacobsen, Austin Kottwitz, Ethan Pinkerton and Hannah Welty; a great-grandchild, Addison Stephens; sisters, Mardelle Shinn (Cliff) and Kathy Stephens and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, on Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Jean Larson officiating. A reception will follow at the VFW. Graveside services will follow at the Lake View Cemetery.

Read Wayne Stephens's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.