John C. Stevenson

John C. Stevenson, 83, a resident of Fond du Lac, died Thursday, August 12, 2010, at Hospice Home of Hope.He was born on December 17, 1926, in Shelton, Nebraska, the son of Roy Asborn Stevenson and Villa Adams Stevenson.John graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1944. He served his country during World War II with the United States Navy Air Corps from 1944-1946. John graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1949, with a bachelor of science degree in business administration where he was a member of the “N” Club, the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Innocents Society (Senior Men’s Honorary), and was a football letterman. He worked two years at Boeing Aircraft, Seattle, Washington, three years for Gates Rubber Company, Denver, Colorado, and eight years as the plant manager for Glasspar Boat Company, Newport, California.John came to work for Mercury Marine in 1965, as vice president Merc Cruiser Divisional manager, and then vice president of sales and service of North America. He retired from Mercury Marine on May 1, 1989.On February 11, 1978, he married Judy A. Beyer Ophoven. Following John’s retirement, they wintered in Florida for 16 years. He was a member of Pilgrim United Church of Christ. He enjoyed traveling, tennis, snow skiing, boating, fishing, and gardening.Survivors include his wife, Judy; a daughter, Katherine Stevenson Meyer, and a granddaughter, Amie White, both of Los Gatos, California; two stepsons: Terry Ophoven of Adams Friendship, Wisconsin, Mark (Debbie) Ophoven of Ozark, Missouri; and a step-granddaughter, Ashley Ophoven.He was preceded in death by his parents, and his former wife, Mary Chaney.A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2010, at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 535 Stow Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Ted Drewsen officiating. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Ledgeview Memorial Park.John’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday at church from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service.In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.The family would like to thank Dr. Sergi, the nurses and staff of St. Francis Home, staff and volunteers at St. Agnes Hospice Home of Hope, and Dr. Tracy Hoffman of The Medical College of Wisconsin. A special thank you to everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.

John C. Stevenson

December 17, 1926 - August 12, 2010