Donald March Stevens, age 82, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2016 at NEMHS Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point, MT.
Donald was born April 7, 1933 to March and Nellie (Jenkins) Stevens. He was born and raised on the family farm near Glenburn, ND. After his father died the family moved into Glenburn. He attended school through the 8 th grade.
After marrying Eloy Johnson on March 12, 1963, he branched out and started Don Stevens Welding Service, after learning to weld by working with his older brothers. He moved his family to Westby, MT, where he worked as an oil field and pipeline welder for many years.
Dad almost always, even when working, stopped for a coffee break. The coffee, cookies and bars today are served in memory of Dad.
Dad helped establish the Westby Lions Club. He was at one time the Treasurer, the tail twister and the President of it. He was awarded the Lion’s Presidential Award but his most treasured duties there was when he brought the circus to town. He loved cooking pancakes and visiting with the community every year at the Lions pancake breakfast.
He was a strong family man, often traveling to bring someone home for the holidays, helping move kids and attended a school event when a dad couldn’t. He taught his kids and grandkids how to hunt. He loved to fish and bought a boat with Rona, which they restored together.
Dad loved to “sing” the grandkids and great-grandkids to sleep. We always said they fell asleep on self-defense, as dad didn’t know any lullabies. He’d make up words to songs like zippity do-dah or maisey does’e dotes. His songs were quite creative.
Dad was very appreciative of all the care his daughters provided to him. Special appreciation to Rona, who had dad living with her after mom passed away. It was a difficult decision Sheri and Rona made to put dad in the nursing home. Dad understood the reason, and accepted the fact Rona was not able to continue having him at home. May tears were shed by all three. Rona had been there for dad throughout his stay. Caring for him was made more difficult due to the fact Rona also works. Sheri would provide respite for Rona, but dad always wanted to be home. We figured if dad missed anyone when he moved to the nursing home, it would be Lobo, his canine companion since mom passed away. Happily, Lobo was allowed to visit dad the majority of the day. He would snuggle on dad’s lap and they’d both nap.
We are very grateful to Pam, who brought dad to the Senior Center for lunch, and to Bethany, who provided in home care for Dad. Dad enjoyed seeing Bethany’s children, and they were a highlight of his day. When Dad stayed at Sheri’s, Rick took good care of Dad, always ensuring he took his pills, did his breathing treatments and keeping his water glass full, as well as making sure he got enough to eat.
We are secure in the knowledge that Dad is in heaven, where he found his voice again. As he passed through the pearly gates, we can imagine him finding a crack to weld and having a lengthy discussion with St. Peter about how to fix it. We can imagine he’s probably said more than a few “Yes dear’s” to mom and probably mourns the fact that there’s “no hunting” signs posted. We thank God for blessing our lives with him and for the years we did have him with us. We loved Dad and will miss him, but don’t wish him back. As Mom would say, “this too shall pass.” Dad was ready to join Mom. Daily he would say “I want to go home.” Rona would tell him he’s still here, so it’s not your lucky day. Jesus wasn’t ready for him yet. As long as he was able the morning he passed, he was watching the clock on the wall and looking at his wristwatch. Mom had passed away roughly at 8 a.m. We believe somewhere in his mind, Dad remembered that. He too died a few minutes after 8 a.m.
Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife Eloy Johnson Stevens; sister Iva June Dooley and brothers: Roy, Howard, George Stevens. He is survived by his children Sheri Stevens, Rona Stevens, April Stevens and Warren Stevens; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; brother Gorton “Doc” Stevens and numerous nephews and nieces.
“Dad, this IS your lucky day.”