The Life of DWIGHT EUGENE STEVENS
Dwight, 84, died Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Dwight was born on December 11, 1925 to Calvin Otto Stevens and Leonora Sears – Stevens in Centerville, Iowa.
Dwight served in the United States Army, Co B 54th ARM’d Inf Bg., 10th Arm’d Div. during WWII until his honorable discharge in 1946. He was awarded with the Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, Bronze Medal Star for bravery, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Purple Heart, and Bronze Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Dwight served later as Staff Sergeant with the Red Bulls of the Iowa National Guard.
Dwight worked in Centerville, Iowa as a mechanic at the Chevy garage. Following a 2 yrs employment at Gates Rubber in Denver, Colorado, he returned to Centerville where he served as Police Officer and Chief of Police for 17 years. In 1966, he switched careers and began as a finish carpenter eventually managing his own business. He developed a reputation for handmade cabinets and fireplaces.
Dwight enjoyed multiple craft projects. He explored wood and wire crafts eventually becoming known for his hundreds of stained glass churches, lighthouses, and figurines.
Dwight is survived by his wife of 63 years, Paulyne Stevens; sister, Ida Specht of Grudy Center; son, Dr. Wes and Carolyn Stevens, New London, MN; daughter, Debrah and Ken Pickering, Altoona, IA; Grandchildren – Philip Pickering (spouse Carla), Altoona, IA; Michelle Tejeda (spouse Antonio), Spicer, MN; Michael Stevens, Lincoln, NE; Terry Pickering (Lorrie), Elgin, TX; Diane Foster, Altoona, IA; and 14 Greatgrandchildren.
Funeral Services will be 10:00 am, Saturday January 9, 2010 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60 Ave., burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends may visit with family Friday, January 8 from 5 to 7 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Iowa Veterans Home of Marshalltown, Iowa, or VA Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa, in loving memory of Dwight.
