Jack Leroy Stevens

Jack Leroy Stevens, 90, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2012 peacefully at his home in Kootenai, Idaho. Jack was born on March 22, 1922 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Warren and Johannah Stevens. He had seven brothers and three sisters. He traveled to North Idaho with his parents in 1931 and lived with his family for two years in the area where Albeni Falls Dam was later built. Jack graduated from 8th grade then went to work making chord wood to help support his large family. When Jack’s father passed away in 1934, Jack, then 12, worked at Pinecrest Cemetery to pay for his father’s funeral. He continued working for “Moon” (undertaker L.G. “Pike” Moon) to pay the family bill. His father, brother and sister all died in 1934. Jack married Irene Lucille Hull on September 25, 1942 in Sandpoint, Idaho. Together they raised their six beautiful children Hardy, Norma, Alfred, Kelvin, Anna and Eloise. Prior to serving in World War II, Jack worked in the timber industry until 1940 when he moved back to Utah to work in the coal mines. Jack then traveled to the Seattle area where he fell trees which were to be made into ship keels for the Liberty ships of World War II. Less than a year later Jack was on one of these ships heading oversees to fight in the war. Jack served in the US Army with the 35th Division, 137th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, L. Company 3rd Platoon. He rose through the ranks quickly because of his leadership abilities. He was promoted Private to Staff Sergeant on the War’s front line where he earned several medals including the Bronze Star for his heroic service. After the war Jack returned to Sandpoint and continued to work in the Timber Industry with his brothers until 1972. He then focused on farming his land and raising his children. Jack enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and spending time in the great outdoors using North Idaho as his playground. On any given day one could find Jack blue backing on Lake Pend Orielle, hunting on the High Drive or spending time taking care of his farm and animals on his pristine little farm in Kootenai. Jack made many contributions in his life to society, community and his family. He fought in World War II. He helped put the power line from Cabinet Gorge Dam to Spokane, Washington. He helped clear the beaches of trees around Lake Pend Orielle when Albeni Falls Dam was built. He started a softball field in Kootenai for the men and women’s softball teams, which lasted for ten years. He volunteered with the React Shack which provided emergency services to people in the Sandpoint area before the region had an emergency system. He hosted the John Strong Circus for several years at his farm for all to enjoy. There are not many places in North Idaho where Jack Stevens has not left his print, from the landscaping of Pinecrest Cemetery to helping build the first Clark Fork Bridge. It was important to Jack that he taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and honesty. Jack was a true family man; he was known to say, “I keep my children close so I know they are safe”. He is survived by his children Alfred (Cindy) Stevens of Kootenai, Norma (John) Laude of Kootenai, Anna (John) Topp of Kootenai, and Eloise (Steve) Frost of Heron, MT, one daughter-in-law, Diane Stevens of Clark Fork; One brother Richard (Shirley) Stevens of Sandpoint, One Sister-in-law, Margaret Stevens of Pack River; 16 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene Lucille Stevens, son Hardy Dean Stevens, son Kelvin Eddy Stevens, father, Warren Abram Stevens, Mother, Johannah Cicilia Stevens, brother, Warren Christen Stevens, brother, Gerald Abram Stevens, sister, Kaziah Beatrice Powell, brother, Boyd Elwood Stevens, brother, Frank Edward Stevens, brother, Ray Calvin Stevens, sister, Ruth Marie Beck, sister, Vida Furrell Tillman and brother, Sorn Brady Stevens. Memorial donations may be made to the local Disabled American Veterans Association in Sandpoint, ID. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, April 20, 2012 at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel. Bishop Robert Redford, Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints will be officiating. Internment, with military honors, will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Thursday, April 19th, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Coffelt Funeral Home.