Leland M. Stevens

Leland Merle Stevens passed away on February 9, 2016, just 10 days before his 94th birthday. Lee was born to Willis and Gladys (nee Lefler) Stevens in Page Nebraska on February 19, 1922. He had two brothers, Blythe and Curtis, and two sisters, Dorothy and Orel. His Family moved to Wisconsin in 1930, and to Oshkosh in 1936. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in June of 1940. On September 4, 1940, Lee and his brother Blythe both joined the Army Air Corps. He was stationed in Newfoundland and England during World War II and served as a radio operator while flying twenty-five missions with an antisubmarine unit in England. He was decorated with several medals and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Leland married the love of his life and lifelong partner Virginia R. Cummings in Oshkosh on July 6, 1944. Together they had two sons, Ronald (Susan) of Oshkosh, and Gary (Cynthia) of Eagle River, WI. They had four grandchildren: Kathryn (Mike) and Jennifer (Jarett) Stevens of Oshkosh, Amity (Ron) Mathews of Denver, Iowa, and Rebecca Stevens of San Antonio, Texas. They also had six great grandchildren: Lukas, MaKenzie and Isabella of Oshkosh and Ella, Avery and Rankin of Denver Iowa.Lee always managed to keep busy, and loved building things. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf and spending time at the family cottage near MinocquaHe was life member of the American Legion and an active member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ for over 60 yearsLee was an electrician by trade and retired from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as the supervisor of maintenance in 1984. Following his retirement, he and his wife spent considerable time traveling throughout the United Stated in their motor home. In 1986, they purchased property in the area of Fort Myers Beach, Florida and officially became "snowbirds" for the next 20 years, spending the summers at home in Oshkosh, and the winters in Florida. Health issues eventually brought them back to Oshkosh on a full time basis in 2006.The entire family is eternally grateful to Virginia and Lee's eldest son, Ron. During the final years of Lee's life, as his health declined and his need for help continually increased, Ron was there daily, giving unselfishly of his time. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, his two sisters, and his brother-in-law Carlton Pfaffenroth. He is survived by his loving wife Virginia, his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister-in-law Patricia Pfaffenroth, and many nieces and nephews.Lee will be remembered by many for his friendly smile, quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor. He added much happiness to the lives that he touched and that sparkle in his eyes will be missed by everyone. Love you Sweetheart, Love you Dad, Love you Grandpa, Love you Lee. You made our world a better a place to live.The Family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the staff of Westbrook Manor and Generations Hospice Care for their compassion and the kindness they showed Leland during the final phases of his journey through life.A private Family service will be held at Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Oshkosh with Pastor Andi Wolf officiating. A memorial has been established benefiting the Church.