Roger Wayne Stevens of Kalispell passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, in the comfort of his home, at the age of 80.
He was born March 30, 1936, in Lemmon, South Dakota, to Lloyd and Marlys Stevens. In 1936, the family moved to Kalispell. They then relocated to Martinez, California, as his dad worked in the shipyards during World War II. In 1946 the family moved to Corvallis and he graduated from Corvallis High School in 1956.
Roger married Barbara Hupfer in 1959 and they were married 58 years. They were blessed with three children, Debbie, John and Polly. Roger’s career with the Montana National Guard spanned over 38 years with positions held in Missoula and Kalispell. He transferred to Kalispell in 1981 as the shop chief, retiring in 1993.
Roger also had a second career as a Montana public servant with over 40 years as a volunteer fireman. He served as the chief of the Corvallis Volunteer Fire Department and, after relocating to Kalispell, he joined the South Kalispell VFD. Within a short period of time, he became the fire chief. He retired from that position in 2008, but remained an active board member.
He was a member of the Corvallis Community Church and, after moving to Kalispell, attended Central Bible Church. Between the two communities, he spent over 40 years working with children in the AWANA and other youth programs. He loved watching them grow up and was most proud when they came back to visit and shared their life experiences with him.
Roger is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 58 years; his children, Debbie Cognata of Placerville, California, John Stevens, residing in Polson, and Polly Caudill from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; brother, Lowell, from Richland, Washington; sister, Myrna Doerr, of Placerville; and sister-in-law, Kathy Garrod, of Hamilton; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, with the 14th due in June; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Ronald.
A celebration of life service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5, at Central Bible Church in Kalispell, with food and fellowship following in the church gym. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, at the Corvallis Cemetery, with food and fellowship following at the Corvallis Community Church.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the South Kalispell Fire Department or the Central Bible Church AWANA program.
The family also would like to thank everyone that loved and supported him and especially the Home Options Hospice organization and Comfort Keeper caregivers who helped care for him. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.