Services held for Robert Frederick Stevens

On February 13, 2020, Robert Frederick Stevens was buried in a military funeral at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.  He had died of cancer on his 73rd birthday, January 25. Bob was born in Fosston, MN and grew up in Gonvick until his family moved to Starbuck, MN where he completed his last years of high school..

Even at an early age, Bob had a keen interest in machines and how they worked. When he wandered away from his home on Main Street, his family knew he would probably be found at the far end of that block at Fran Bagne's gas station where he could watch cars, pickups and farm equipment being repaired. He willingly drove tractors on the farms near Gonvick  belonging to his grandmothers, Mabel Stevens and Laura Pearson. In college he worked summers with a crew that harvested grain across South Dakota. His grandma Mabel would be delighted to know that Bob hauled her old tractor way across the country to give it a home on his California ranch.

Bob achieved his dream of becoming a pilot in the Navy. He flew rescue helicopters off the USS aircraft carrier ORISKANY for two tours of duty during the Vietnam War, and a variety of aircraft during his military career until retirement.  He continued flying as a corporate pilot, nationally and internationally, for several large companies, which took him to such unusual places as China and Siberia.

Married to a horse lover, he and his wife Denise kept a collection of animals at their ranch near San Diego. They added horses to their stable with the births of several foals, and numerous dogs and cats enjoyed life with Bob and Denise. Two miniature donkeys appeared one year as a special anniversary present from Bob.

Bob is survived by his wife Denise, son William Stevens, and four siblings: brothers John in TX, Fred in AZ, sisters Susan Downing in St. Paul, MN and Eddie (Edna) South in FL, and his much loved nephews and nieces in their families